'One can say... that in these photographs form and content are indistinguishable--which is to say that the pictures mean precisely what they appear to mean. Attempting to translate these appearances into words is surely a fool's errand, in the pursuit of which no two fools who choose the same unsatisfactory words.' --John Szarkowski, William Eggleston's Guide, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, 1976.
Memphis and Eggleston seem to have a mutual creative understanding that compels the artist to approach the city with much more discretion and reverence than any of the individuals he treats like hunting trophies that have stumbled into his cross-hairs. His compositions are colorful cocktails of muddled cynicism and delighted fascination. This whimsicality and wit has resonated with a wide audience since Eggleston has changed the medium of fine art photography forever in his groundbreaking exhibition in 1976 at the Museum of Modern Art: William Eggleston’s Guide. A print of the image offered here was included in this exhibition.
Subsequently, Eggleston's work has been the subject of exhibitions at institutions worldwide including the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC; the Barbican Gallery, London; documenta IX, Kassel, Germany; Museum Ludwig, Cologne; and the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. In more recent years, his work has been featured in exhibitions at Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Tate Modern, London; National Portrait Gallery, London; and Foam Fotografiemuseum, Amsterdam. Along the way, Eggleston has established himself as an indelible pioneer of photography as a contemporary art form.
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
A color image on semi-gloss double weight paper with margins. There are no apparent condition issues. Please note this print is sold framed.
Print Report
Cost calculator
Enter your bid amount for an estimated cost
Bid amount
Please enter numbers onlyAmount must be higher than the starting bidAmount must be higher than the current bid