Littoral Drift #3 (Rodeo Beach, CA)

Artist Meghann Riepenhoff (American, born 1979)

DateJune 13, 2013

Mediumvariable cyanotype diptych on wove paper

Dimensionsoverall, by sight: 70.3 × 55.5 cm (27 11/16 × 21 7/8 in.)

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineFunded by the Douglas Cox and Edward Osowski Fund for Photography in memory of Robert A. Royka (1933–1996) and in honor of Margaret Kent Royka

Object number2015.44

Label TextThe term littoral drift refers to the power of ocean currents to move sediment and sand across the ocean shore. In her cyanotype diptych, Riepenhoff embraces this force of nature. The work was created by dipping two sheets of prepared cyanotype paper into the ocean, allowing the salt and sediment to leave their mark. She captures place and time through material impressions rather than through an illusionistic representation of the scene. Because this cyanotype is not fully fixed, it will fade while it is exposed to light and regenerate its blue hue when returned to storage. As a result, Littoral Drift #3 is always subject to forces in its immediate environment.

On View

Not on view