Metamorphosis I

Artist George Krause (American, born 1937)

Date1982

MediumGelatin silver print

DimensionsOverall, Image: 17 3/16 × 13 5/8 in. (43.7 × 34.6 cm)
Overall, Support: 19 15/16 × 14 1/16 in. (50.6 × 35.7 cm)
Overall, Mat: 24 × 20 in. (61 × 50.8 cm)

ClassificationsPhotography

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number83.116

Terms

Man
Turtle
Abstract

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThis is a gelatin silver print depicting a turtle with human legs.

Label TextGeorge Krause American (b. 1937) Metamorphosis I, 1982 Gelatin-silver print Museum Purchase 83.116 George Krause is known for his fantasy and dream-like imagery. In this photograph, a human being is depicted metamorphosing into a gigantic snapping turtle, or is it vice versa? As the reptile's unyielding claws dig into the soft human flesh, blood flows down the human leg, coalescing the two into one being. Photographic background paper runs through the frame, out of kilter, while anonymous fingertips reach from behind both sides of the paper. Why is this strange transition taking place in front of this haphazard background? As in a dream, everyday experiences combine with the mind's imagination to create a new reality. The unreal nature of the setting and the turtle's grotesqueness make this Krause fantasy, truly, a nightmare. Edited By: GLY Edited Date: 11/07/2003