October 1981 Rangeley, Maine, 1982; Color Dye Transfer; Signed, titled, and Numbered 20/75 in white ink lower right; Published by Anthology Film Archives, New York; Printed by Stewart Color Laboratories, New York; Size - Sheet: 25" x 20 1/2", Image 19 1/2 x 19", Mat 32 x 26"; Framed with a single acid free mat, brown wood frame, and UV plexiglass.
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William Wegman (b. 1943) is an American artist best known for creating artistic photographic and video compositions involving dogs, primarily his own Weimaraners in various costumes and poses. The dogs were cast in poses and characters, often using ingenious props and elaborate costumes that were imitative of human beings. Wegman also used camouflage and draping to disguise these physical changes of his dogs as they aged.
Close up of "October 1981 Rangeley, Maine, 1982" by William Wegman
While Wegman was in Long
Beach, he got his Weimaraner dog which he named Man Ray. Man Ray would become
his muse, and thus began a long and very fruitful collaboration. Man Ray was
known for his endearing deadpan presence, became the central figure in Wegman's
photographs and videos.
Close up of the signature, title, and date.
Seeking a refuge from his
New York City life, Wegman spent many summers in Maine, which he described as:
“Nothing bad happens in Maine—a real Hardy Boys setting. The villains steal
firewood or ride ATVs on private property or fish where they should not.
Sometimes you encounter a grumpy ornery person who acts suspicious or who is
suspicious. What’s there to do in Maine? You can read books and magazines.
Paint. Draw. Take pictures. Fish. Hike. Listen to the loons.”
Matted "October 1981 Rangeley, Maine, 1982" by William Wegman
Framed "October 1981 Rangeley, Maine, 1982" by William Wegman.
October 1981, Rangeley,
Maine is a brightly colored dye transfer photograph set in the Maine woods at
the peak of fall foliage. A tall dark tree dominates the central axis, in front
of which is the cleverly hidden and barely perceptible figure of Man Ray,
covered and camouflaged with red, yellow, and green leaves. Above him and
attached to the tree is a sign bearing the legend:
State
Game Preserve
No hunting
Trapping or Firearms
—Allowed—
Inland Fisheries and
Game Department
Like much of Wegman’s work,
this image is both witty and ironic. The State Game Preserve sign shows signs
of being used for target practice, most likely by game hunters. Weimaraners are
working dogs and very good for hunting, however Man Ray is forbidden from
hunting; and therefore he is camouflaged to escape being detected. This is
large work is exceptionally nice and showcases William Wegman at his best! This
is one of the last photographs taken of Man Ray, as he passed away in 1982.
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