Accession Number
2012/2.10

Title
Ha-ak, Blythe Site #1, Blythe, CA

Artist(s)
Marilyn Bridges

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1982

Medium & Support
gelatin silver print on paper

Dimensions
20 in x 24 in (50.8 cm x 60.96 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James Agah, Class of 1989 (BBA)

Subject matter
Marilyn Bridges describes the markings and monuments that she photographs from above as “the messages of humankind.” As a pilot and photographer, she documents contemporary landscapes connected to ancient times, which addresses the human relationship to the earth and environment. In this photograph, a human figure, which is 170 feet tall, resides in Blythe, California. It is believed to depict Ha-ak, a monster that devoured children. It was created by removing gravel in the desert pavement to reveal the lighter subsoil below.

Physical Description
This photograph depicts an aerial view of an earth work of a human figure encased by the shape of a pentagon.

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
Native American
aerial photography
earthworks (sculpture)
geoglyphs
landscapes (representations)