Artwork copyright David Joyce. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Short People, 1982

David Joyce
Canadian (born 1946, died 2003)

Location: Harrison Middle School, Sunnyside

About the Artwork

Short People is part of artist David Joyce's body of life-sized cutouts that combine elements of photography and sculpture. This piece is comprised of five different figures. The images were captured by the artist by standing on a ladder and looking down at his subjects. Joyce notes, "The piece is designed to place the viewer in the rather odd position of making eye contact with a group of people who are looking up at him/her." How does this piece change your perception of size and space?

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Sunnyside School District.

About the Artist

Artist David Joyce (1946-2003) created sculptures made from enlarged photographic cutouts. These artworks depict realistic, life-size figures that are flat and monochromatic. His compositions highlight the boundary between the real and the abstract. Joyce studied at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and at the University of Oregon in Eugene, where he received a Master of Fine Arts degree. He taught at Lane Community College in Eugene for twenty five years.