Sukkur/ Pakistan, Frauen bei der Arbeit. 1974.
Photography.
Signed, dated, titled and inscribed on verso. On light photo cardboard. 30,7 x 40 cm (12 x 15,7 in), the full sheet.
Due to the unique developing technique this photography is of unique charachter. [DB].

We are grateful to The Estate of Sigmar Polke, Cologne, for their positive confirmation on the basis of images.

PROVENANCE: Private collection Southern Germany.

Polke's art has been dominated by the irony of the apparent coincidence since the early 1960s and remained of central importance to him. This photography was presumably made on a journey to Pakistan and Afghanistan. What is particularly interesting is the shot's perspective and contrast change, which extremely reduces the souvenir character. The so-called Sabattier effect that Polke employs in this work comes into existence when the positive is partly or completely exposed to light for a short time during procession. Age and consistency of the fixing bath can also play a role. This way Polke did not only achieve a unique effect, he also confronts the observer with his very personal eye onto the unknown world of the oriental society and way of life. This photograph's appeal is in the unique symbiosis of alienation, variation and virtuosity, which does not only jeopardize our viewing habits, but also our conventions of rt, artist and culture. [DB].