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 Washington State Arts Commission.

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 photographs and lectures based on twenty years of experience documenting changes in the landscape.

Abrahamson grew up on the Washington coast. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Southeastern Washington, a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at University of Washington in Seattle, and served in the U.S. Air Force in the early 1970s. He is a photographer and environmental advocate and speaker.

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