The Tower of Babel

Photograph

-

Calvin University Center Art Gallery

The image depicts an imposing, multi-tiered tower reminiscent of the Tower of Babel, rising majestically from a flat, barren landscape under a clear sky dotted with fluffy clouds, with scattered ruins nearby and a tranquil body of water reflecting the scene, enhancing the sense of ancient mystery and grandeur.

The image depicts an imposing, multi-tiered tower reminiscent of the Tower of Babel, rising majestically from a flat, barren landscape under a clear sky dotted with fluffy clouds, with scattered ruins nearby and a tranquil body of water reflecting the scene, enhancing the sense of ancient mystery and grandeur.

Name/Title

The Tower of Babel

Entry/Object ID

2014.2.1

Description

Partially constructed/destroyed tower in a vast sandy landscape devoid of people, animals, etc. Shallow water surrounds the tower which is shown against a blue sky with small puffy clouds.

Photograph Details

Type of Photograph

chromogenic print

Category

Biblical, Building, Exterior space, Landscape, On-Display at Calvin University
Architecture

Made/Created

Artist

Didier Massard

Date made

2012

Dimensions

Dimension Description

image size

Height

37 in

Width

47 in

Dimension Notes

frame size

Height

38-5/8 in

Width

48-3/4 in

Exhibitions

Light - An Eternal Presence: The Donna Spaan Contemporary Collection of Art, Sept. 8 - Oct. 10, 2015
Spaan Collection - Center Art Gallery May 29 - July 10, 2018
Loan - Spaan Collection @ Dordt College
Loan - Spaan Collection @ 2nd CRC - Grand Haven, Michigan
Spaan and PC - February 15 - April 8, 2022
Loan - Spaan Collection @ LaGrave CRC
Spaan Collection - August 27 - November 29, 2024

General Notes

Note Type

Wall Label

Note

Expanded Wall Label: Didier Massard was born in Paris France in 1953. He holds a degree in art and archaeology from the University of Paris. Massard spent nearly 25 years working as a commercial photographer in the world of fashion and cosmetics, before beginning a personal artistic career. Massard intricately fabricates and styles every aspect of his pictures by hand. His fabricated landscapes utilize a wide variety of materials to replicate and transform his models into life like environments. Working very slowly, completing only two or three images a year, Didier discusses his process and art as walking a fine line between dream and reality. Building on the collective tourist experience and the preconceived notions of place, Massard evokes qualities of the lands of China, Ireland, India, Holland, and others. Intentionally editing his images, Massared attempts to create a final image that is both foreign and familiar, leaving the viewer to guess what part of the world the image could be from. This work, from his Territories series is a photo of Massard’s constructed model of the mysterious landscape of Babel.