Robert Polidori
ROBERT POLIDORI "QUARTEL GENERAL DO EXERCITO, NO.1" 1998
Robert Polidori (b. 1951) is world-renowned for his photographs of human habitats and environments. His images depict a range of sites and subjects from around the world ranging from decadent to decrepit.
Polidori produces his images with a large-format camera and a single long exposure, using natural lighting and a touch of patience. This process lends itself to capturing an astounding amount of detail, and his ability to use light as a character in his compositions. It's presence floods through scenes, highlighting cracks, space, and focal points.
Polidori's career started in the 1980's with his documentation of the Palace of Versailles' ongoing restoration. Since then, he has established himself as an esteemed practitioner of large scale photography with an emphasis on interiors, urban design and architecture.
This photograph is of the Brazilian army headquarters in Brasilia, the federal capital of the country (inaugurated as such in 1960). The city is known for its sleek modern architecture, mostly designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. The Quartel General do Exercito (Army Headquarters or QGEx), historically called Forte Caxias, is a prominent structure in the Federal District of the city, consisting of three buildings that house training facilities and offices.
The modern structure is startlingly lyrical, with a rolling concrete arch and slender tower offsetting the expansive, grounded shape of the buildings. While there's no question the building is impressive, Polidori injects an ominous quality to the structure, not just revering the building, but dedicating himself to conveying it earnestly. The negative space, the shadows, are as essential as the building himself. No detail is unintentional, as Polidori offers vibrant, authentic, enchanting scenes, asking his viewers to ask questions about the spaces that he photographs. Like many of Polidori's images, there is a complete absence of human presence.
Robert Polidori has published eleven books. In 2006, he was commissioned by the MET to photograph the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. His work is in the collections of the MET and the MOMA in New York, the LACMA, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, among others.
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"Quartel General do Exercito, No. 1, Architect: Oscar Niemeyer, Brasilia, July 1998"
1998
Type "C" Print
From an edition of 10
19"H 38.5"W (work)
28.5"H 48.5"W (framed)
Minor wear to glazing and frame.
Very good condition.
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