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As a representative of the "Vancouver School," Jeff Wall came into contact with conceptual art during his studies in the ‘70s. The composition of the photographs often reproduces the composition of works by artists who exerted a strong influence on their studies: Velázquez, Hokuzai, and Manet.
The Jewish cemetery investigates the mysterious and hidden aspects of landscapes and people. According to the artist, the use of the panoramic makes the photograph resemble 18th century Hubert Robert paintings, where people are portrayed in public places while performing normal activities. The work is one of two photographs taken by Wall that has as subject a Jewish cemetery. For the artist, the relationship we have with death is similar to the relationship between the viewer and the landscape: only at a certain distance can we understand its essence and its meaning. |