Shigemi Uyeda captured the environment of Los Angeles and the growing popularity of oil production in the early 20th century. He created a composition of hardened oil with water drops to capture the perfect reflection of an oil derrick from the early morning sun.
Getty has joined forces with Smarthistory to bring you an in-depth look at select works within our collection, whether you’re looking to learn more at home or want to make art more accessible in your classroom. This video series illuminates art history concepts through fun, unscripted conversations between art historians, curators, archaeologists, and artists, committed to a fresh take on the history of visual arts.
A conversation with Dr. Virginia Heckert, Curator, Department of Photographs, Getty Museum, and Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank, Dean of Content and Strategy, Smarthistory, at Getty Center in front of Shigemi Uyeda, Reflections on the Oil Ditch, c. 1925. Gelatin silver print, 33.5 x 26.5 cm. Getty Museum, Los Angeles © Family of Shigemi Uyeda
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Learn more about “Reflections on the Oil Ditch” in Getty’s collection online: https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/10A16B
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