This breathtaking color photograph captures one of the most iconic, operatic scenes from Matthew Barney's Cremaster 5, set within the ornate interior of Budapest's historic baths in 1997. The composition features Barney as magician Harry Houdini standing in the bathwater, framed by the motion of white doves in flight tied with delicate ribbons against deep blue architectural details. Shot by Michael James O'Brien and printed on museum-grade archival paper, this piece beautifully bridges surreal narrative cinema, performance art, and fine photography. A masterpiece of visual grandeur and symbolism, it represents an invaluable acquisition for discerning collectors of contemporary avant-garde art.
Photographer Michael James O'Brien documented with beautiful and unique images the final part of Matthew Barney's lyric opera cycle about a tragic love story set in romantic Budapest. The epic's main characters are the Queen of Chains and the magician and escape artist Harry Houdini.
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Color Photography - Matthew Barney, Cremaster 5, 1997. By Michael James O'Brien
Matthew Barney, Cremaster 5, 1997
From the Matthew Barney series
Archival Inkjet Print.
Limited Edition.
Unframed
With 2 inches of white borders around.
Michael James O’Brien is a multifaceted artist based in Atlanta, GA, known for his work as a photographer, teacher, curator, poet, and activist. He has held solo exhibitions in major cities worldwide, including New York, Paris, Beijing, and Istanbul. His photography is part of the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection in London and has been featured in esteemed publications such as Rolling Stone, Vogue UK, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. O'Brien authored Girlfriend; Men, Women, and Drag, published by Random House, and contributed to Matthew Barney’s Drawing Restraint 7 and Cremaster series. A dedicated activist, he has been involved with ACTUP and various HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, including the Love Ball and Live Positive Campaign. Currently, he serves as the Chair of Photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design and chairs the Advisory Council of Atlanta Celebrates Photography.
