Pioneering the art genre of photorealism, Audrey Flack’s (b. 1931, American) paintings and photography draw inspiration from Pop, Baroque, and early still-life painting. As a photographer working in the classical tradition of arranging still lifes—used by artists as a tool in achieving greater detail and effects that were not possible with live models— Flack’s imagery celebrates life while also serving as a memorial. Although she largely created photographs and prints as the basis for her paintings, Flack’s deeply saturated Kodachrome photographs serve as individual works of art. The three photographs on view are part of a print portfolio that includes various compositions Flack created over a decade. Collectively, the works exemplify Flack’s compositions of personal and found objects that tell a story.
–Affinities and Outliers: Highlights from the University at Albany Fine Art Collections

In reference to the Beatles’ song titled “In My Life,” Flack reinforces the overarching theme of “life” that is often represented in her work. An array of personal ephemera is strewn about the frame; a yellowed die, an ornate box, and a silver pocket watch are just a few of the objects that are scattered throughout the image. The mystery of the unopened box, the constant ticking of the pocket watch as time moves forward, and the game of chance associated with the single die are all representative of the fleeting nature of life as described in the song: “There are places I’ll remember / All my life though some have changed / Some forever, not for better / Some have gone and some remain.”

The following text was researched and written by: Lily Hopkins, MSIS 4+1 Program: Archives and Records Administration '21, Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation Intern
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