About the Object

This photograph, taken in the Curtiss-Wright Aircraft Plant in Buffalo, New York, features the fluorescent lights installed in the factory ceiling. The rafters create a sense of rushing perspective, while the lights appear as dashes across the space. Compare this perspective with Curtiss-Wright Aircraft Plant Overhead Lights and Skylights, (VF2013.01.10), where the lights appear continuous.

 

Additional Information

In December 1944, Crawford received a commission from Burton Tremaine, president and chairman of the Miller Lighting Company, to commemorate the installation of nine miles of continuous fluorescent lighting in the Curtiss-Wright Aircraft Plant in Buffalo, New York. Crawford was given special permission to photograph inside the plant, taking a least a dozen pictures and creating dozens of drawings, resulting in at least 11 related paintings.