Artwork copyright Mark Abrahamson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Skagit sp133, 1992

Mark Abrahamson
(American, born 1944)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Skagit sp133 is an aerial photograph by artist Mark Abrahamson. It is part of his series "Watershed Investigations" documenting agricultural impacts to river systems. He captured this image in the Skagit River watershed during the spring of 1992. He notes, "With the help of a skilled pilot, I made 'maps' of the Skagit watershed from a slow flying airplane at low altitudes. The aerial perspective abstracts the landscape, subjectively emphasizing certain elements, and gives the viewer access to extensive information. The dramatic colors, textures and forms below me combined to tell a complicated and dynamically changing story."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of General Administration.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Washington-based artist Mark Abrahamson creates aerial photographs that depict abstract patterns found in the landscape. He notes that his work focuses on "the United States’ urban and rural environments, examining how man has altered the landscape, affected our watersheds and contributed to climate change." An environmental advocate, his project "Global Warming: An American Perspective" features lectures and photographs based on 20 years of experience documenting changes in the landscape.