A detail from a photograph by Christopher Williams titled Bergische Bauernscheune, Junkersholz Leichlingen, September 29, 2009, dated 2010
A detail from a photograph by Christopher Williams titled Bergische Bauernscheune, Junkersholz Leichlingen, September 29, 2009, dated 2010

Christopher Williams: standard pose

Apples, soap, haystacks, a centerfold model, a rooster, children at play, a man with a camera in a freshly laundered shirt, and a smiling four-year-old girl. standard pose, an exhibition of works by Christopher Williams, on view at the Paris gallery.
 
The photographs in this exhibition are the product of Williams’s decades-long engagement with public pictures, ordinary pictures, or pictorial types. This exhibition is not made up of images of reality, but rather the reality of these images.

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Image: Christopher Williams, Bergische Bauernscheune, Junkersholz Leichlingen, September 29, 2009, 2010. © Christopher Williams. Courtesy the artist and David Zwirner.

Dates
November 27, 2021January 29, 2022
A detail from a photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Study in Yellow and Green/East Berlin) Studio Thomas Borho, Oberkasseler Str. 39, Düsseldorf, Germany July 7, 2012, dated 2012
Christopher Williams, Untitled (Study in Yellow and Green/East Berlin) / Studio Thomas Borho, Oberkasseler Str. 39, Düsseldorf, Germany / July 7, 2012, 2012 (detail).
Christopher Williams, Untitled (Study in Yellow and Green/East Berlin) / Studio Thomas Borho, Oberkasseler Str. 39, Düsseldorf, Germany / July 7, 2012, 2012 (detail).

Christopher Williams’s work addresses the visual and informational structures that define everyday life. Working in a variety of media, including photography, video, and installation, his multifaceted practice incorporates references to multiple sources and precedents, including the artist’s own ever-expanding inventory of imagery and discursive materials.

A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Study in Yellow and Green/East Berlin) Studio Thomas Borho, Oberkasseler Str. 39, Düsseldorf, Germany July 7, 2012, dated 2012.

Christopher Williams

Untitled (Study in Yellow and Green/East Berlin)
Studio Thomas Borho, Oberkasseler Str. 39, Düsseldorf, Germany
July 7, 2012
, 2012
Inkjet print on cotton rag paper
Print: 16 x 20 inches (40.6 x 50.8 cm)
Framed: 30 1/4 x 33 1/2 inches (76.8 x 85.1 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Bergische Bauernscheune, Junkersholz Leichlingen, September 29, 2009, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Bergische Bauernscheune,
Junkersholz Leichlingen,
September 29, 2009
, 2010
Archival pigment print on cotton rag paper
Print: 17 1/4 x 22 inches (43.8 x 55.9 cm)
Framed: 32 7/8 x 37 inches (83.5 x 94 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A detail from a photograph by Christopher Williams titled Mustafa Kinte (Gambia) Camera: Makina 67 506347 Plaubel Feinmechanik und Optik GmbH Borsigallee 37 60388 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Shirt: Van Laack Shirt Kent 64 41061 Mönchengladbach, Germany Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin July 20, 2007, dated 2008
Christopher Williams, Mustafa Kinte (Gambia) / Camera: Makina 67 506347 / Plaubel Feinmechanik und Optik GmbH / Borsigallee 37 / 60388 Frankfurt am Main, Germany / Shirt: Van Laack Shirt Kent 64 / 41061 Mönchengladbach, Germany / Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin / July 20, 2007, 2008 (detail).
Christopher Williams, Mustafa Kinte (Gambia) / Camera: Makina 67 506347 / Plaubel Feinmechanik und Optik GmbH / Borsigallee 37 / 60388 Frankfurt am Main, Germany / Shirt: Van Laack Shirt Kent 64 / 41061 Mönchengladbach, Germany / Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin / July 20, 2007, 2008 (detail).
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Mustafa Kinte (Gambia) Camera: Makina 67 506347 Plaubel Feinmechanik und Optik GmbH Borsigallee 37 60388 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Shirt: Van Laack Shirt Kent 64 41061 Mönchengladbach, Germany Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin July 20, 2007, dated 2008.

Christopher Williams

Mustafa Kinte (Gambia)
Camera: Makina 67 506347
Plaubel Feinmechanik und Optik GmbH
Borsigallee 37
60388 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Shirt: Van Laack Shirt Kent 64
41061 Mönchengladbach, Germany
Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin
July 20, 2007
, 2008
Gelatin silver print
Print: 20 x 16 inches (50.8 x 40.6 cm)
Framed: 33 3/4 x 29 1/4 inches (85.7 x 74.3 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP

“With pictures of Mustafa Kinte, a Gambian immigrant, holding a Makina camera and of a model posing topless on a striped beach chair, the series raises wider questions about representation: How does photography fare when representing ‘Black’ skin? How has photography been complicit in the objectification of women, and what counter-representations might be possible? Williams’s images reflect on photography’s historical role in the formation of the society of the spectacle.”

—Mark Godfrey, Roxana Marcoci, Matthew S. Witkovsky, 2014

A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled TecTake Luxus Strandkorb grau/weiß  Model no.: 400636  Material: wood/plastic  Dimensions (height/width/depth): 154 cm × 116 cm × 77 cm   Weight: 49 kg  Manufactured by Ningbo Jin Mao Import & Export Co., Ltd, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China for TecTake GmbH, Igersheim, Germany  Model: Zimra Geurts, Playboy Netherlands Playmate of the Year 2012  Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf  February 1, 2013  (Zimra stretching), dated 2013.

Christopher Williams

TecTake Luxus Strandkorb grau/weiß
Model no.: 400636
Material: wood/plastic
Dimensions (height/width/depth): 154 cm × 116 cm × 77 cm
Weight: 49 kg
Manufactured by Ningbo Jin Mao Import & Export Co., Ltd, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China for TecTake GmbH, Igersheim, Germany
Model: Zimra Geurts, Playboy Netherlands Playmate of the Year 2012
Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf
February 1, 2013
(Zimra stretching)
, 2013
Selenium toned silver gelatin print
Print: 19 7/8 x 23 3/4 inches (50.5 x 60.3 cm)
Framed: 33 7/8 x 37 3/8 inches (86 x 94.9 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A detail from a photograph by Christopher Williams titled Standardpose [Standard Pose] 1,0 Zwerg-Brabanter, silber, Düsseldorf 2013 (Vera Spix, Elsdorf) Ring number: EE-D13 13-901, green Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf November 21, 2013, dated 2014

Christopher Williams, Standardpose [Standard Pose] / 1,0 Zwerg-Brabanter, silber, Düsseldorf 2013 (Vera Spix, Elsdorf) / Ring number: EE-D13 13-901, green / Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf / November 21, 2013, 2014 (detail).

Christopher Williams, Standardpose [Standard Pose] / 1,0 Zwerg-Brabanter, silber, Düsseldorf 2013 (Vera Spix, Elsdorf) / Ring number: EE-D13 13-901, green / Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf / November 21, 2013, 2014 (detail).

“Ambivalence is also reflected in his pictures, which emulate regular advertisements but include tiny yet deliberate imperfections.… Employing a film director’s approach, Williams has spent the past 35 years pursuing an artistic practice that examines the theoretical and political history of photographic technology in the larger political terrain.”

—Roxana Marcoci, 2014

 
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Standardpose [Standard Pose] 1,0 Zwerg-Brabanter, silber, Düsseldorf 2013 (Vera Spix, Elsdorf) Ring number: EE-D13 13-901, green Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf November 21, 2013, dated 2014.

Christopher Williams

Standardpose [Standard Pose]
1,0 Zwerg-Brabanter, silber, Düsseldorf 2013 (Vera Spix, Elsdorf)
Ring number: EE-D13 13-901, green
Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf
November 21, 2013
, 2014
Inkjet print on cotton rag paper
Print: 26 x 33 inches (66 x 83.8 cm)
Framed: 41 1/2 x 48 inches (105.4 x 121.9 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Model-Nr.: 1740 Rotznasen - Kinder Model Agentur Liesegangstr. 7A 40211 Düsseldorf Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf January 28, 2016, dated 2016.

Christopher Williams

Model-Nr.: 1740
Rotznasen - Kinder Model Agentur
Liesegangstr. 7A
40211 Düsseldorf
Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf
January 28, 2016
, 2016
Inkjet print on cotton rag paper
Print: 18 x 18 inches (45.7 x 45.7 cm)
Framed: 33 5/8 x 33 1/8 inches (85.4 x 84.1 cm)
Edition of 4 AP
A detail from a photograph by Christopher Williams titled Model-Nr.: 1740 Rotznasen - Kinder Model Agentur Liesegangstr. 7A 40211 Düsseldorf Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf January 28, 2016, dated 2016

Christopher Williams, Model-Nr.: 1740 / Rotznasen - Kinder Model Agentur / Liesegangstr. 7A / 40211 Düsseldorf / Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf / January 28, 2016, 2016 (detail).

Christopher Williams, Model-Nr.: 1740 / Rotznasen - Kinder Model Agentur / Liesegangstr. 7A / 40211 Düsseldorf / Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf / January 28, 2016, 2016 (detail).

“She is German. She is white. She is a professional within the field of image production. She is an instrument, a medium, a figure in an equation. She is paid to produce the signs of innocence and happiness. She is a worker in a network of economies beyond her comprehension.… To focus is to assert a preference for one surface over another. For every fragment of the world, a fragment of the camera. A model is a representation of a system.”

—Christopher Williams, Open Letter to Model No. 1740, 2016

A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Reinigung Ursula Schweyen Lindenstr. 34, Köln February 17, 2010, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Reinigung Ursula Schweyen
Lindenstr. 34, Köln
February 17, 2010
, 2010
Gelatin silver print
Print: 19 7/8 x 23 3/4 inches (50.5 x 60.3 cm)
Framed: 34 1/8 x 37 3/8 inches (86.7 x 94.9 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Natürlich bekommen Sie für den Preis eines van Laack Hemdes zwei andere. Of course, for the price of one van Laack shirt, you can get two others. Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin, July 20th, 2007, dated 2008.

Christopher Williams

Natürlich bekommen Sie für den Preis eines van Laack
Hemdes zwei andere.
Of course, for the price of one van Laack shirt, you can
get two others.
Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin, July 20th, 2007
, 2008
Gelatin silver print
Print: 16 x 20 inches (40.6 x 50.8 cm)
Framed: 29 3/4 x 33 3/8 inches (75.6 x 84.8 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A detail from a photograph by Christopher Williams titled Natürlich bekommen Sie für den Preis eines van Laack Hemdes zwei andere. Of course, for the price of one van Laack shirt, you can get two others. Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin, July 20th, 2007, dated 2008

Christopher Williams, Natürlich bekommen Sie für den Preis eines / van Laack Hemdes zwei andere. / Of course, for the price of one van Laack shirt, you can get two others. / Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin, July 20th, 2007, 2008 (detail).

Christopher Williams, Natürlich bekommen Sie für den Preis eines / van Laack Hemdes zwei andere. / Of course, for the price of one van Laack shirt, you can get two others. / Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin, July 20th, 2007, 2008 (detail).

A detail from a photograph by Christopher Williams titled Reinigung Ursula Schweyen Lindenstr. 34, Köln February 17, 2010, dated 2010

Christopher Williams, Reinigung Ursula Schweyen / Lindenstr. 34, Köln / February 17, 2010, 2010 (detail).

Christopher Williams, Reinigung Ursula Schweyen / Lindenstr. 34, Köln / February 17, 2010, 2010 (detail).

“Williams takes the objects we take for granted as his undying subject, transforming them through an excess of the vernacular into states that are foreign, unknown.”

—Alexandra Kadlec, 2014

 
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Study in Gray) 1967 Citroen DS Serial number: DS851360a Color code: AC 226 Color name: gris satiné Color year: 1964 Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf November 3, 2013, dated 2014.

Christopher Williams

Untitled (Study in Gray)
1967 Citroen DS
Serial number: DS851360a
Color code: AC 226
Color name: gris satiné
Color year: 1964
Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf
November 3, 2013
, 2014
Inkjet print on cotton rag paper
Print: 20 x 25 inches (50.8 x 63.5 cm)
Framed: 35 5/8 x 40 inches (90.5 x 101.6 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Study in Gray) 1967 Citroen DS Serial number: DS851360a Color code: AC 138 Color name: gris dandy Color year: 1966 Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf November 7, 2013, dated 2014.

Christopher Williams

Untitled (Study in Gray)
1967 Citroen DS
Serial number: DS851360a
Color code: AC 138
Color name: gris dandy
Color year: 1966
Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf
November 7, 2013
, 2014
Inkjet print on cotton rag paper
Print: 20 x 25 inches (50.8 x 63.5 cm)
Framed: 35 5/8 x 40 inches (90.5 x 101.6 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP

The staged nature of the present trilogy of works, which involved creating the accident that caused the dent in the car’s frame, removing the chrome to spray-paint the surface and then painstakingly reattaching it, contrasts greatly with the downgrading of image quality as a result of the speed with which photographs are taken and circulated today. While the simplicity of the resulting photograph belies this intensity, the dent in the otherwise smooth surface and the damaged bumper are subtle hints that we are not looking at a straightforward image.

A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Study in Gray) 1967 Citroen DS Serial number: DS851360a Color code: AC 118 Color name: gris etna Color year: 1966 Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf November 11, 2013, dated 2014.

Christopher Williams

Untitled (Study in Gray)
1967 Citroen DS
Serial number: DS851360a
Color code: AC 118
Color name: gris etna
Color year: 1966
Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf
November 11, 2013
, 2014
Inkjet print on cotton rag paper
Print: 20 x 25 inches (50.8 x 63.5 cm)
Framed: 35 5/8 x 40 inches (90.5 x 101.6 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord neben Bergach June 8, 2010, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord
neben Bergach June 8, 2010
, 2010
Gelatin silver print
Print: 18 1/4 x 22 1/4 inches (46.4 x 56.5 cm)
Framed: 34 x 37 3/8 inches (86.4 x 94.9 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Femme, monument, 1970. Kunstgießerei Bonvicini, Verona. Bronze, 250 x 100 x 50 cm. Museum Frieder Burda, Baden-Baden. Bronze with black patina, signed and numbered with engraving 'Miro EA 2' June 9th, 2010, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Femme, monument, 1970. Kunstgießerei Bonvicini, Verona. Bronze, 250 x 100 x 50 cm. Museum Frieder Burda, Baden-Baden.
Bronze with black patina, signed and numbered with engraving 'Miro EA 2'
June 9th, 2010
, 2010
Gelatin silver print
Print: 22 3/8 x 18 3/8 inches (56.7 x 46.7 cm)
Framed: 38 x 33 1/2 inches (96.5 x 85.1 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A detail from a photograph by Christopher Williams titled Bläsing G 2000, Bläsing GmbH, Essen Model: Christoph Boland November 15, 2010, dated 2010

Christopher Williams, Bläsing G 2000, Bläsing GmbH, Essen / Model: Christoph Boland / November 15, 2010, 2010 (detail).

Christopher Williams, Bläsing G 2000, Bläsing GmbH, Essen / Model: Christoph Boland / November 15, 2010, 2010 (detail).

“Imagine holding your finger over a text on your iPhone so that the cursor becomes a magnifier enlarging the area under your finger. This is a good image for the way that I move through types of production. At any one point I may choose to amplify just one element, or two elements, but within the show things accumulate into networks of focus within something that at first appears to be just a conventional display of pictures.”

—Christopher Williams, 2014

A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Fachhochschule Aachen Fachbereich Gestaltung Studiengang: Visuelle Kommunikation Fotolabor für Studenten Boxgraben 100, Aachen November 8, 2010, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Fachhochschule Aachen
Fachbereich Gestaltung
Studiengang: Visuelle Kommunikatio
Fotolabor für Studenten
Boxgraben 100, Aachen
November 8, 2010
, 2010
Archival pigment print on cotton rag paper
Print: 22 3/4 x 18 inches (57.8 x 45.7 cm)
Framed: 38 1/4 x 33 inches (97.2 x 83.8 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photography by Christopher Williams, titled Bläsing G 2000, Bläsing GmbH, Essen Model: Christoph Boland November 15, 2010, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Bläsing G 2000, Bläsing GmbH, Essen
Model: Christoph Boland
November 15, 2010
, 2010
Archival pigment print on cotton rag paper
Print: 20 x 24 inches (50.8 x 61 cm)
Framed: 33 x 37 inches (83.8 x 94 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A detail from a photograph by Christopher Williams titled Fachhochschule Aachen Fachbereich Gestaltung Studiengang: Visuelle Kommunikation Fotolabor für Studenten Boxgraben 100, Aachen November 8, 2010, dated 2010

Christopher Williams, Fachhochschule Aachen / Fachbereich Gestaltung / Studiengang: Visuelle Kommunikation / Fotolabor für Studenten / Boxgraben 100, Aachen / November 8, 2010, 2010 (detail).

Christopher Williams, Fachhochschule Aachen / Fachbereich Gestaltung / Studiengang: Visuelle Kommunikation / Fotolabor für Studenten / Boxgraben 100, Aachen / November 8, 2010, 2010 (detail).

A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Garten in Voigtmichelshof, Alpirsbach June 7, 2010, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Garten in Voigtmichelshof, Alpirsbach June 7, 2010, 2010
Archival pigment print on cotton rag paper
Print: 20 x 24 inches (50.8 x 61 cm)
Framed: 32 7/8 x 37 inches (83.5 x 94 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Study in Black) Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin, April 29, 2009, dated 2009.

Christopher Williams

Untitled (Study in Black)
Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin,
April 29, 2009
, 2009
Archival pigment print on cotton rag paper
Print: 14 x 11 inches (35.6 x 27.9 cm)
Framed: 27 3/4 x 25 inches (70.5 x 63.5 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
Enamel paint, glass, aluminum, and felt in three parts by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Provisional Prop) #1, Untitled (Provisional Prop) #2, and Untitled (Provisional Prop) #3, dated 2021.

Christopher Williams

Untitled (Provisional Prop), 2021
Enamel paint, glass, aluminum, and felt in three (3) parts
Overall dimensions variable
Each: 22 1/8 x 22 1/8 inches (56.3 x 56.3 cm)
Edition of 6, 2 AP

“In most of his exhibitions Williams toys with conventions of display and engages with the architecture—and sometimes the institutional history—of the spaces in which he installs his work.… He also physically intervenes in the architecture of the space, building temporary walls that contrast the permanent ones.”

—Michael Irwin, 2017

 
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Demountable wall panel with panel storage cart from the exhibition The Production Line of Happiness, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, January 24 – May 18, 2014 Wall panel materials: Oak, plywood, metal, cardboard, fabric, rubber, vinyl, and adhesive Wall panel dimensions: 102 x 72 x 4 1/2 inches Storage cart materials: Steel, carpet, rubber, plywood, and paint Storage cart dimensions: 78 x 86 x 18 inches Gallery display system designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), Chicago, 1982 Pedestal materials: MDF, plywood, Douglas fir blocking, screws, lag screws, neoprene rubber spacers and shims, and metal Pedestal dimensions: 134 1/2 x 66 1/2 x 4 3/4 inches Pedestal designed by Mack Cole-Edelsack, Department of Exhibition Design and Production, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, in accordance with loan specifications from the Art Institute of Chicago, Department of Photography Exhibited in The Production Line of Happiness, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, July 27 – November 2, 2014 July 20, 2014, dated 2014.

Christopher Williams

Demountable wall panel with panel storage cart from the exhibition The Production Line of Happiness, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, January 24 – May 18, 2014
Wall panel materials: Oak, plywood, metal, cardboard, fabric, rubber, vinyl, and adhesive
Wall panel dimensions: 102 x 72 x 4 1/2 inches
Storage cart materials: Steel, carpet, rubber, plywood, and paint
Storage cart dimensions: 78 x 86 x 18 inches
Gallery display system designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), Chicago, 1982
Pedestal materials: MDF, plywood, Douglas fir blocking, screws, lag screws, neoprene rubber spacers and shims, and metal
Pedestal dimensions: 134 1/2 x 66 1/2 x 4 3/4 inches
Pedestal designed by Mack Cole-Edelsack, Department of Exhibition Design and Production, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, in accordance with loan specifications from the Art Institute of Chicago, Department of Photography
Exhibited in The Production Line of Happiness, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, July 27 – November 2, 2014
July 20, 2014
, 2014
Selenium toned gelatin silver print
Print: 24 x 20 inches (61 x 50.8 cm)
Framed: 37 3/4 x 33 1/2 inches (95.9 x 85.1 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: The Production Line of Happiness, Whitechapel Gallery, London. Photo by Maris Hutchinson

Installation view, Christopher Williams: The Production Line of Happiness, The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Photography by EPW Studio

Installation view, Christopher Williams: The Production Line of Happiness, The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Photography by EPW Studio

Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: The Production Line of Happiness, Whitechapel Gallery, London. Photo by Maris Hutchinson
Installation view, Christopher Williams: The Production Line of Happiness, Whitechapel Gallery, London. Photo by Maris Hutchinson
Installation view, Christopher Williams: The Production Line of Happiness, Whitechapel Gallery, London. Photo by Maris Hutchinson
Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: Normative Models, Kestner Gesellschaft, Hanover. Photo by Maris Hutchinson

Installation view, Christopher Williams: Normative Models, Kestner Gesellschaft, Hanover. Photo by Maris Hutchinson

Installation view, Christopher Williams: Normative Models, Kestner Gesellschaft, Hanover. Photo by Maris Hutchinson

Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: The Production Line of Happiness, Whitechapel Gallery, London. Photo by Maris Hutchinson

Installation view, Christopher Williams: The Production Line of Happiness, Whitechapel Gallery, London. Photo by Maris Hutchinson

Installation view, Christopher Williams: The Production Line of Happiness, Whitechapel Gallery, London. Photo by Maris Hutchinson

Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: Normative Models, Kestner Gesellschaft, Hanover. Photo by Maris Hutchinson

Installation view, Christopher Williams: Normative Models, Kestner Gesellschaft, Hanover. Photo by Maris Hutchinson

Installation view, Christopher Williams: Normative Models, Kestner Gesellschaft, Hanover. Photo by Maris Hutchinson

Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: standard pose, at David Zwirner in Paris, dated 2021.

Installation view, Christopher Williams: Normative Models, Kestner Gesellschaft, Hanover. Photo by Maris Hutchinson

Installation view, Christopher Williams: Normative Models, Kestner Gesellschaft, Hanover. Photo by Maris Hutchinson

A mixed media artwork by Christopher Williams, titled Wall designed by Dirk Ufermann, Head Technician, Bonner Kunstverein, Bonn. Constructed by Objekt Design Persighetti Ltd. for the exhibition Open Letter: The Family Drama Refunctioned? (From the Point of View of Production), 17 March - 20 May, 2017, David Zwirner, London after drawings by Pasztori Simons Architects, Berlin with Avery Dennison 500 Event Film Matt vinyl (color code: 707EM) installed by Imga Imaging Ltd. Kent, UK (2/6) 2017 Plywood, metal, wood, and adhesive vinyl  350 x 350 x 57 cm Wall constructed by Objekt Design Persighetti Ltd, Leichlingen, Germany Vinyl installed by Igma Imaging Ltd., Kent, UK,  dated 2017.

Christopher Williams

Wall designed by Dirk Ufermann, Head Technician, Bonner Kunstverein, Bonn.
Constructed by Objekt Design Persighetti Ltd. for the exhibition Open Letter: The Family Drama Refunctioned? (From the Point of View of Production), 17 March - 20 May, 2017, David Zwirner, London after drawings by Pasztori Simons Architects, Berlin with Avery Dennison 500 Event Film Matt vinyl (color code: 707EM) installed by Imga Imaging Ltd. Kent, UK
(2/6)
, 2017
Plywood, metal, wood, and adhesive vinyl
137 7/8 x 137 7/8 x 22 1/2 inches (350 x 350 x 57 cm)
A mixed media artwork by Christopher Williams, titled Wall designed by Dirk Ufermann, Head Technician, Bonner Kunstverein, Bonn. Constructed by Objekt Design Persighetti Ltd. for the exhibition Open Letter: The Family Drama Refunctioned? (From the Point of View of Production), 17 March - 20 May, 2017, David Zwirner, London after drawings by Pasztori Simons Architects, Berlin with Avery Dennison 500 Event Film Matt vinyl (color code: 707EM) installed by Imga Imaging Ltd. Kent, UK (6/6) 2017 Plywood, metal, wood, and adhesive vinyl 350 x 350 x 57 cm Wall constructed by Objekt Design Persighetti Ltd, Leichlingen, Germany Vinyl installed by Igma Imaging Ltd., Kent, UK (6/6),  dated 2017.

Christopher Williams

Wall designed by Dirk Ufermann, Head Technician, Bonner Kunstverein, Bonn.
Constructed by Objekt Design Persighetti Ltd. for the exhibition Open Letter: The Family Drama Refunctioned? (From the Point of View of Production), 17 March - 20 May, 2017, David Zwirner, London after drawings by Pasztori Simons Architects, Berlin with Avery Dennison 500 Event Film Matt vinyl (color code: 707EM) installed by Imga Imaging Ltd. Kent, UK
(4/6)
, 2017
Plywood, metal, wood, and adhesive vinyl
137 7/8 x 137 7/8 x 22 1/2 inches (350 x 350 x 57 cm)

“Each photograph appears pristine, controlled, an emblem of self-containment, since everything in it was intended to be there. But its supplements—the elongated caption and the adjacent photographs that appear whenever it is exhibited, a nearby video, a catalogue, the references revealed in catalogue essays … as well as adding to it, create a sense of its insufficiency, revealing that each image is connected to larger elements and ideas.”

—Mark Godfrey, 2014

 
A detail from a photograph by Christopher Williams titled Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord neben Bergach June 8, 2010, dated 2010
Christopher Williams, Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord / neben Bergach / June 8, 2010, 2010 (detail).
Christopher Williams, Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord / neben Bergach / June 8, 2010, 2010 (detail).

Learn More about Works by Christopher Williams

Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: "standard pose", at David Zwirner in Paris, dated 2021.
Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: "standard pose", at David Zwirner in Paris, dated 2021.
Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: "standard pose", at David Zwirner in Paris, dated 2021.
Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: "standard pose", at David Zwirner in Paris, dated 2021.
Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: "standard pose", at David Zwirner in Paris, dated 2021.
Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: "standard pose", at David Zwirner in Paris, dated 2021.
Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: "standard pose", at David Zwirner in Paris, dated 2021.
Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: "standard pose", at David Zwirner in Paris, dated 2021.
Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: "standard pose", at David Zwirner in Paris, dated 2021.
Installation view of the exhibition, Christopher Williams: "standard pose", at David Zwirner in Paris, dated 2021.
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Study in Yellow and Green/East Berlin) Studio Thomas Borho, Oberkasseler Str. 39, Düsseldorf, Germany July 7, 2012, dated 2012.

Christopher Williams

Untitled (Study in Yellow and Green/East Berlin)
Studio Thomas Borho, Oberkasseler Str. 39, Düsseldorf, Germany
July 7, 2012
, 2012
Inkjet print on cotton rag paper
Print: 16 x 20 inches (40.6 x 50.8 cm)
Framed: 30 1/4 x 33 1/2 inches (76.8 x 85.1 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Bergische Bauernscheune, Junkersholz Leichlingen, September 29, 2009, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Bergische Bauernscheune,
Junkersholz Leichlingen,
September 29, 2009
, 2010
Archival pigment print on cotton rag paper
Print: 17 1/4 x 22 inches (43.8 x 55.9 cm)
Framed: 32 7/8 x 37 inches (83.5 x 94 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Mustafa Kinte (Gambia) Camera: Makina 67 506347 Plaubel Feinmechanik und Optik GmbH Borsigallee 37 60388 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Shirt: Van Laack Shirt Kent 64 41061 Mönchengladbach, Germany Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin July 20, 2007, dated 2008.

Christopher Williams

Mustafa Kinte (Gambia)
Camera: Makina 67 506347
Plaubel Feinmechanik und Optik GmbH
Borsigallee 37
60388 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Shirt: Van Laack Shirt Kent 64
41061 Mönchengladbach, Germany
Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin
July 20, 2007
, 2008
Gelatin silver print
Print: 20 x 16 inches (50.8 x 40.6 cm)
Framed: 33 3/4 x 29 1/4 inches (85.7 x 74.3 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled TecTake Luxus Strandkorb grau/weiß  Model no.: 400636  Material: wood/plastic  Dimensions (height/width/depth): 154 cm × 116 cm × 77 cm   Weight: 49 kg  Manufactured by Ningbo Jin Mao Import & Export Co., Ltd, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China for TecTake GmbH, Igersheim, Germany  Model: Zimra Geurts, Playboy Netherlands Playmate of the Year 2012  Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf  February 1, 2013  (Zimra stretching), dated 2013.

Christopher Williams

TecTake Luxus Strandkorb grau/weiß
Model no.: 400636
Material: wood/plastic
Dimensions (height/width/depth): 154 cm × 116 cm × 77 cm
Weight: 49 kg
Manufactured by Ningbo Jin Mao Import & Export Co., Ltd, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China for TecTake GmbH, Igersheim, Germany
Model: Zimra Geurts, Playboy Netherlands Playmate of the Year 2012
Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf
February 1, 2013
(Zimra stretching)
, 2013
Selenium toned silver gelatin print
Print: 19 7/8 x 23 3/4 inches (50.5 x 60.3 cm)
Framed: 33 7/8 x 37 3/8 inches (86 x 94.9 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Standardpose [Standard Pose] 1,0 Zwerg-Brabanter, silber, Düsseldorf 2013 (Vera Spix, Elsdorf) Ring number: EE-D13 13-901, green Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf November 21, 2013, dated 2014.

Christopher Williams

Standardpose [Standard Pose]
1,0 Zwerg-Brabanter, silber, Düsseldorf 2013 (Vera Spix, Elsdorf)
Ring number: EE-D13 13-901, green
Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf
November 21, 2013
, 2014
Inkjet print on cotton rag paper
Print: 26 x 33 inches (66 x 83.8 cm)
Framed: 41 1/2 x 48 inches (105.4 x 121.9 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Model-Nr.: 1740 Rotznasen - Kinder Model Agentur Liesegangstr. 7A 40211 Düsseldorf Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf January 28, 2016, dated 2016.

Christopher Williams

Model-Nr.: 1740
Rotznasen - Kinder Model Agentur
Liesegangstr. 7A
40211 Düsseldorf
Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf
January 28, 2016
, 2016
Inkjet print on cotton rag paper
Print: 18 x 18 inches (45.7 x 45.7 cm)
Framed: 33 5/8 x 33 1/8 inches (85.4 x 84.1 cm)
Edition of 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Reinigung Ursula Schweyen Lindenstr. 34, Köln February 17, 2010, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Reinigung Ursula Schweyen
Lindenstr. 34, Köln
February 17, 2010
, 2010
Gelatin silver print
Print: 19 7/8 x 23 3/4 inches (50.5 x 60.3 cm)
Framed: 34 1/8 x 37 3/8 inches (86.7 x 94.9 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Natürlich bekommen Sie für den Preis eines van Laack Hemdes zwei andere. Of course, for the price of one van Laack shirt, you can get two others. Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin, July 20th, 2007, dated 2008.

Christopher Williams

Natürlich bekommen Sie für den Preis eines van Laack
Hemdes zwei andere.
Of course, for the price of one van Laack shirt, you can
get two others.
Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin, July 20th, 2007
, 2008
Gelatin silver print
Print: 16 x 20 inches (40.6 x 50.8 cm)
Framed: 29 3/4 x 33 3/8 inches (75.6 x 84.8 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Study in Gray) 1967 Citroen DS Serial number: DS851360a Color code: AC 226 Color name: gris satiné Color year: 1964 Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf November 3, 2013, dated 2014.

Christopher Williams

Untitled (Study in Gray)
1967 Citroen DS
Serial number: DS851360a
Color code: AC 226
Color name: gris satiné
Color year: 1964
Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf
November 3, 2013
, 2014
Inkjet print on cotton rag paper
Print: 20 x 25 inches (50.8 x 63.5 cm)
Framed: 35 5/8 x 40 inches (90.5 x 101.6 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Study in Gray) 1967 Citroen DS Serial number: DS851360a Color code: AC 138 Color name: gris dandy Color year: 1966 Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf November 7, 2013, dated 2014.

Christopher Williams

Untitled (Study in Gray)
1967 Citroen DS
Serial number: DS851360a
Color code: AC 138
Color name: gris dandy
Color year: 1966
Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf
November 7, 2013
, 2014
Inkjet print on cotton rag paper
Print: 20 x 25 inches (50.8 x 63.5 cm)
Framed: 35 5/8 x 40 inches (90.5 x 101.6 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Study in Gray) 1967 Citroen DS Serial number: DS851360a Color code: AC 118 Color name: gris etna Color year: 1966 Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf November 11, 2013, dated 2014.

Christopher Williams

Untitled (Study in Gray)
1967 Citroen DS
Serial number: DS851360a
Color code: AC 118
Color name: gris etna
Color year: 1966
Studio Rhein Verlag, Düsseldorf
November 11, 2013
, 2014
Inkjet print on cotton rag paper
Print: 20 x 25 inches (50.8 x 63.5 cm)
Framed: 35 5/8 x 40 inches (90.5 x 101.6 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord neben Bergach June 8, 2010, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Naturpark Schwarzwald Mitte/Nord
neben Bergach June 8, 2010
, 2010
Gelatin silver print
Print: 18 1/4 x 22 1/4 inches (46.4 x 56.5 cm)
Framed: 34 x 37 3/8 inches (86.4 x 94.9 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Femme, monument, 1970. Kunstgießerei Bonvicini, Verona. Bronze, 250 x 100 x 50 cm. Museum Frieder Burda, Baden-Baden. Bronze with black patina, signed and numbered with engraving 'Miro EA 2' June 9th, 2010, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Femme, monument, 1970. Kunstgießerei Bonvicini, Verona. Bronze, 250 x 100 x 50 cm. Museum Frieder Burda, Baden-Baden.
Bronze with black patina, signed and numbered with engraving 'Miro EA 2'
June 9th, 2010
, 2010
Gelatin silver print
Print: 22 3/8 x 18 3/8 inches (56.7 x 46.7 cm)
Framed: 38 x 33 1/2 inches (96.5 x 85.1 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Fachhochschule Aachen Fachbereich Gestaltung Studiengang: Visuelle Kommunikation Fotolabor für Studenten Boxgraben 100, Aachen November 8, 2010, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Fachhochschule Aachen
Fachbereich Gestaltung
Studiengang: Visuelle Kommunikatio
Fotolabor für Studenten
Boxgraben 100, Aachen
November 8, 2010
, 2010
Archival pigment print on cotton rag paper
Print: 22 3/4 x 18 inches (57.8 x 45.7 cm)
Framed: 38 1/4 x 33 inches (97.2 x 83.8 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photography by Christopher Williams, titled Bläsing G 2000, Bläsing GmbH, Essen Model: Christoph Boland November 15, 2010, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Bläsing G 2000, Bläsing GmbH, Essen
Model: Christoph Boland
November 15, 2010
, 2010
Archival pigment print on cotton rag paper
Print: 20 x 24 inches (50.8 x 61 cm)
Framed: 33 x 37 inches (83.8 x 94 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Demountable wall panel with panel storage cart from the exhibition The Production Line of Happiness, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, January 24 – May 18, 2014 Wall panel materials: Oak, plywood, metal, cardboard, fabric, rubber, vinyl, and adhesive Wall panel dimensions: 102 x 72 x 4 1/2 inches Storage cart materials: Steel, carpet, rubber, plywood, and paint Storage cart dimensions: 78 x 86 x 18 inches Gallery display system designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), Chicago, 1982 Pedestal materials: MDF, plywood, Douglas fir blocking, screws, lag screws, neoprene rubber spacers and shims, and metal Pedestal dimensions: 134 1/2 x 66 1/2 x 4 3/4 inches Pedestal designed by Mack Cole-Edelsack, Department of Exhibition Design and Production, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, in accordance with loan specifications from the Art Institute of Chicago, Department of Photography Exhibited in The Production Line of Happiness, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, July 27 – November 2, 2014 July 20, 2014, dated 2014.

Christopher Williams

Demountable wall panel with panel storage cart from the exhibition The Production Line of Happiness, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, January 24 – May 18, 2014
Wall panel materials: Oak, plywood, metal, cardboard, fabric, rubber, vinyl, and adhesive
Wall panel dimensions: 102 x 72 x 4 1/2 inches
Storage cart materials: Steel, carpet, rubber, plywood, and paint
Storage cart dimensions: 78 x 86 x 18 inches
Gallery display system designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), Chicago, 1982
Pedestal materials: MDF, plywood, Douglas fir blocking, screws, lag screws, neoprene rubber spacers and shims, and metal
Pedestal dimensions: 134 1/2 x 66 1/2 x 4 3/4 inches
Pedestal designed by Mack Cole-Edelsack, Department of Exhibition Design and Production, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, in accordance with loan specifications from the Art Institute of Chicago, Department of Photography
Exhibited in The Production Line of Happiness, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, July 27 – November 2, 2014
July 20, 2014
, 2014
Selenium toned gelatin silver print
Print: 24 x 20 inches (61 x 50.8 cm)
Framed: 37 3/4 x 33 1/2 inches (95.9 x 85.1 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Garten in Voigtmichelshof, Alpirsbach June 7, 2010, dated 2010.

Christopher Williams

Garten in Voigtmichelshof, Alpirsbach June 7, 2010, 2010
Archival pigment print on cotton rag paper
Print: 20 x 24 inches (50.8 x 61 cm)
Framed: 32 7/8 x 37 inches (83.5 x 94 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
A photograph by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Study in Black) Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin, April 29, 2009, dated 2009.

Christopher Williams

Untitled (Study in Black)
Dirk Schaper Studio, Berlin,
April 29, 2009
, 2009
Archival pigment print on cotton rag paper
Print: 14 x 11 inches (35.6 x 27.9 cm)
Framed: 27 3/4 x 25 inches (70.5 x 63.5 cm)
Edition of 10, 4 AP
Enamel paint, glass, aluminum, and felt in three parts by Christopher Williams, titled Untitled (Provisional Prop) #1, Untitled (Provisional Prop) #2, and Untitled (Provisional Prop) #3, dated 2021.

Christopher Williams

Untitled (Provisional Prop), 2021
Enamel paint, glass, aluminum, and felt in three (3) parts
Overall dimensions variable
Each: 22 1/8 x 22 1/8 inches (56.3 x 56.3 cm)
Edition of 6, 2 AP
A mixed media artwork by Christopher Williams, titled Wall designed by Dirk Ufermann, Head Technician, Bonner Kunstverein, Bonn. Constructed by Objekt Design Persighetti Ltd. for the exhibition Open Letter: The Family Drama Refunctioned? (From the Point of View of Production), 17 March - 20 May, 2017, David Zwirner, London after drawings by Pasztori Simons Architects, Berlin with Avery Dennison 500 Event Film Matt vinyl (color code: 707EM) installed by Imga Imaging Ltd. Kent, UK (2/6) 2017 Plywood, metal, wood, and adhesive vinyl  350 x 350 x 57 cm Wall constructed by Objekt Design Persighetti Ltd, Leichlingen, Germany Vinyl installed by Igma Imaging Ltd., Kent, UK,  dated 2017.

Christopher Williams

Wall designed by Dirk Ufermann, Head Technician, Bonner Kunstverein, Bonn.
Constructed by Objekt Design Persighetti Ltd. for the exhibition Open Letter: The Family Drama Refunctioned? (From the Point of View of Production), 17 March - 20 May, 2017, David Zwirner, London after drawings by Pasztori Simons Architects, Berlin with Avery Dennison 500 Event Film Matt vinyl (color code: 707EM) installed by Imga Imaging Ltd. Kent, UK
(2/6)
, 2017
Plywood, metal, wood, and adhesive vinyl
137 7/8 x 137 7/8 x 22 1/2 inches (350 x 350 x 57 cm)
A mixed media artwork by Christopher Williams, titled Wall designed by Dirk Ufermann, Head Technician, Bonner Kunstverein, Bonn. Constructed by Objekt Design Persighetti Ltd. for the exhibition Open Letter: The Family Drama Refunctioned? (From the Point of View of Production), 17 March - 20 May, 2017, David Zwirner, London after drawings by Pasztori Simons Architects, Berlin with Avery Dennison 500 Event Film Matt vinyl (color code: 707EM) installed by Imga Imaging Ltd. Kent, UK (6/6) 2017 Plywood, metal, wood, and adhesive vinyl 350 x 350 x 57 cm Wall constructed by Objekt Design Persighetti Ltd, Leichlingen, Germany Vinyl installed by Igma Imaging Ltd., Kent, UK (6/6),  dated 2017.

Christopher Williams

Wall designed by Dirk Ufermann, Head Technician, Bonner Kunstverein, Bonn.
Constructed by Objekt Design Persighetti Ltd. for the exhibition Open Letter: The Family Drama Refunctioned? (From the Point of View of Production), 17 March - 20 May, 2017, David Zwirner, London after drawings by Pasztori Simons Architects, Berlin with Avery Dennison 500 Event Film Matt vinyl (color code: 707EM) installed by Imga Imaging Ltd. Kent, UK
(4/6)
, 2017
Plywood, metal, wood, and adhesive vinyl
137 7/8 x 137 7/8 x 22 1/2 inches (350 x 350 x 57 cm)
A video by Christopher Williams, titled Provisional Prop, Wall Coverings, Radio, Printed Matter, Picture Frames, Photographs, Films, Arrangements, dated 2021.

Christopher Williams

Provisional Prop, Wall Coverings, Radio, Printed Matter, Picture Frames, Photographs, Films, Arrangements, 2021
Single-channel video, 31:50min
Overall dimensions variable
Edition of 10
A video by Christopher Williams, titled Provisional Prop, Wall Coverings, Radio, Printed Matter, Picture Frames, Photographs, Films, Arrangements, dated 2021.

Christopher Williams

Provisional Prop, Klebelayout, hochtransparentes Zeichenpapier (Model-Nr.: 1740), 2021
Single-channel video, 31:50min
Overall dimensions variable
Edition of 10

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