The elements of this set are divided into two sub-sets, Figure / Ground 1 (Blue) and Figure / Ground 2 (White), which are installed opposite each other on two walls. Texts accompany each sub-set.

FIGURE / GROUND 1 (BLUE)
Brady Grid
Digital video

Sears Portrait Studio Light Blue Background
Paint on canvas over wood (manufactured by Owens Originals Studio Backdrops, Kansas City, MO)

The Brady Bunch
116 episodes plus pilot, aired on ABC Television 1969–1974

The Sears Portrait Studio is a subsidiary of Sears, Roebuck and Company

The differentiation of figure from ground is a birth act. The color of the differentiation of figure from ground is blue, the color of the universal background. This process is general, not specific. For this reason, the Sears Portrait Studio Light Blue Background is best viewed with a back to the canvas.

FIGURE / GROUND 2 (WHITE)

Avedon with Stand – In
Black and White photograph with photogram mounted on gator-foam

A photograph was taken in the manner of Richard Avedon (a human torso against a seamless white backdrop). The negative was enlarged to life-size. As the photographic paper was exposed, a human figure blocked out the photographed figure, returning the figure to ground.

Ground Segal
Plaster and cotton gauze

Richard Avedon, American, 1923 –

George Segal, American, 1925 – 2000

The de-differentiation of figure from ground is a death act. The color of the de-differentiation of figure from ground is white. This process is specific.