While viewing this image, visitors responded to one of the questions Catherine Opie posed about portraits.


  • Which of these landscapes intrigues you and why?

  • Write a story or poem inspired by one of these pictures. Or, if one of them brings a memory to mind, tell that story.

  • Some of these images are made spontaneously while others are carefully staged by the artist. How does this difference in approach affect your response?


Knowing whether the photograph was staged or spontaneous does not affect the beauty of the image. However, I feel that it has a more emotional quality if the scene was something that occurred naturally. Children are known for their innocence and this image brings a sense of nostalgia to the viewer. I believe that the meaning completely changes if the viewer was informed of the set-up. Instead of child-like snow angels, the figures could be victims of violence. The darkness of the atmosphere contributes to this other mood. I would love to know the truth about the nature of this photograph.


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Justine Kurland, Snow Angels, 2000. Chromogenic print, 29 7/16 x 39 7/16 inches (74.8 x 100.2 cm), edition 6/6. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, Gift, Danielle and David Ganek 2003.94
To read more about Catherine Opie's work, visit Catherine Opie: American Photographer