Mitch Robertson, Original Copy, Parthenon Postcard, 2002/2003 Virtual Museum of Canada
Home | Back to Artist List | Feedback | Close this Window
By juxtaposing an 'original' postcard with its 'copy,' the artist shows the over-simplicity of the representation of tourist sites. In Parthenon Postcard, the Postcard 'original' shows a virtually unpopulated site, airbrushed and perfect. While on the right is the 'copy,' a photo taken from almost the same view-point, but this time populated by people moving items in and out of a Ryder Van, with cars in the foreground.

Mitch Robertson, Original Copy, Parthenon Postcard, 2002/2003   (296 KB)

Images in the Series: By juxtaposing an 'original' postcard with its 'copy,' the artist shows the over-simplicity of the representation of tourist sites. In Washington Park, the Postcard 'original' shows a beautifully landscaped garden in the summer. On the right is the 'copy,' a photo of the same place in the Fall, showing a bleak scene, trees without lush leaves, green grass or manicured gardens.By juxtaposing an 'original' postcard with its 'copy,' the artist shows the over-simplicity of the representation of tourist sites. In Hoodoos Postcard, the Postcard 'original' shows blue skies and an unpopulated landscape. On the right is the 'copy,' a photo of the same place, populated by tourists and a bleak sky. We rarely view tourist sites as shown in picture-perfect postcards.By juxtaposing an 'original' postcard with its 'copy,' the artist shows the over-simplicity of the representation of tourist sites. In Elvis Postcard, the Postcard 'original' shows a symmetrical arrangement of flowers arranged around the gravestone. The lighting is even with no imperfections. On the right is the 'copy,' a photo of the same place, complete with flaws, with cast shadows, sunny spots and gifts strewn across in no orderly fashion.By juxtaposing an 'original' postcard with its 'copy,' the artist shows the over-simplicity of the representation of tourist sites. In Parthenon Postcard, the Postcard 'original' shows a virtually unpopulated site, airbrushed and perfect. While on the right is the 'copy,' a photo taken from almost the same view-point, but this time populated by people moving items in and out of a Ryder Van, with cars in the foreground.By juxtaposing an 'original' postcard with its 'copy,' the artist shows the over-simplicity of the representation of tourist sites. In Gastown Postcard, the Postcard 'original' shows a romanticized nighttime view of the street, lit up with lights and unpopulated. On the right is the 'copy,' a photo taken from almost the same view-point, but is a bleak, daytime view of a snowy, populated street.By juxtaposing an 'original' postcard with its 'copy,' the artist shows the over-simplicity of the representation of tourist sites. In Worlds Largest Dinosaur Postcard, the Postcard 'original' shows blue skies, clean cars and tourists enjoying their visit. On the right is the 'copy,' a photo taken from almost the same view-point, but with bleak skies.

Copyright © 2006 Gallery TPW - All Rights Reserved