Parallel Stress 1970

Dennis Oppenheim created this black and white photograph titled ‘Parallel Stress.’ The human figure is a mere accent, a dark slash almost disappearing into the gritty texture of the sandy landscape. I am so curious about the physical constraints of the scene. How did he manage to position the body so perfectly between the two mounds? There is a sense of play between figure and ground. Look closely at the edges where the body meets the earth: the smooth skin against the rough terrain. It reminds me of Robert Smithson’s land art. Both artists are interested in the dialogue between the human body and the environment. They explore how we interact with and alter the world around us. Ultimately, ‘Parallel Stress’ is a testament to Oppenheim's experimental spirit. He invites us to question our relationship with the land and consider the art-making process as one of physical and conceptual exploration. Art is always a conversation with what has come before.