Passing Away (Dead Version III)

Passing Away (Dead Version III)

2000
Artist
Carroll Dunham, American, 1949-
Born: New Haven, CT
Work Locations: New York
Country
United States
Object
painting
Medium
Mixed media (acrylic) on canvas
Accession Number
2001.713
Credit Line
Gift from Vicki and Kent Logan to the Collection of the Denver Art Museum
Carroll Dunham (American). Passing Away (Dead Version III). 2000. Mixed media (acrylic) on canvas. Gift from Vicki and Kent Logan to the Collection of the Denver Art Museum. 2001.713.
Dimensions
height: 36 in, 91.4400 cm; width: 72 in, 182.8800 cm; frame height: 38 3/4 in, 98.4250 cm; frame width: 74 3/4 in, 189.8650 cm; frame depth: 2 1/2 in, 6.3500 cm
Inscription
"Dec.-Jan.-Feb. 1999-2000 Carroll Dunham" Front, top center
Department
Modern and Contemporary Art
Collection
Modern and Contemporary Art

Carroll Dunham’s work explores psychological and formal issues through the depictions of animated, often disconnected, abstract figures and landscapes. In “Passing Away (Dead Version III),” a grimacing figure is depicted horizontally flattened by a weighted gray object, with only his head, gritted teeth, and upper body visible. His face appears to have black and red marks all over, suggesting a history of conflict or struggle. Buried underneath a heavy-looking slab of solid concrete, the figure’s green suit jacket, white shirt, and yellow tie appear to be unfazed by the pressing weight above him. The flattening of the figure’s face, as well as his expression, are reminiscent of a cartoon, adding an overtone of humor to the work. 

Born in New Haven, Connecticut in 1949, Dunham graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut in 1972. 

© Carroll Dunham, courtesy Gladstone Gallery, New York

Exhibition History
  • ”Carroll Dunham”—New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York, 10/30/2002 - 02/09/2003
  • ”Drawings: Carroll Dunham"—Denver Art Museum, 07/27/2014 - 02/15/2015

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