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Zane Paxton | all galleries >> SW Spring 2010 >> Grand Canyon > 04072010-Grand_Canyon-064
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07-APR-2010 Zane Paxton

04072010-Grand_Canyon-064

Grand Canyon, Arizona

The most architecturally impressive section of the building is undoubtedly the tower interior. The space is an open shaft surrounded by circular balconies edging the walls and small staircases that lead up to subsequent levels. Only the uppermost observation area has a complete floor area covering the circular plan, and large plate-glass windows overlooking the surrounding expanses of the vast southwest. The rooftop observation area, reached by a ladder of sturdy log construction, is closed to the public. The steel and concrete structure of this space is entirely plastered and all of the walls are covered with murals. The most distinct images, painted by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie depict various aspects of Hopi mythology and religious ceremonies. The other murals done by Fred Greer are more subtle in color and purposefully softer in detail, and are copies of prehistoric pictographs and petroglyphs. The tiny windows of the tower let in a minimal amount of light which adds to the cave- like, mystical atmosphere of the space. Experiencing the multiple levels and circular balconies and the hundreds of prehistoric images inundates the viewer with an overwhelming sense of the southwest.

Nikon D2x ,Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S
1/40s f/6.3 at 17.0mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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