Requiem for Steam

Not only do we admire David Plowden’s skill as a photographer—his unparalleled vision—but as our focus as a museum is on the art of industry and human achievement, we have a real affinity for his subjects as well: rural America, steam locomotives, steel mills, bridges, and the like.

The artist’s full impact is likely yet to be felt, as we continue to lose the features of the American landscape that he has so expertly and thoughtfully captured.  From heavy industry to the rural landscape, Plowden has distilled in many ways the essence of America by portraying and depicting these often-overlooked national treasures.  Apart from theme, perhaps the most striking feature of his work is his command and use of geometry and form, light and shadow.  In the age of digital imagery and memory cards holding thousands of images, it is incredible to think of Plowden embarking on a day’s work with 12 exposures in the Hasselblad or Rolleiflex, sometimes waiting hours for the moment when light, shadow and form met to, as he puts it, “make a photograph.”  And he makes outstanding photographs.

In this series of Mediations on Work, we have drawn quotes from the essays and other writings of David Plowden.