Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Installation view: Nancy Holt: Locating Perception, Sprüth Magers, Los Angeles, 2022
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. each (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Photograph: Robert Wedemeyer
Courtesy Holt/Smithson Foundation and Sprüth Magers
 

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt's California Sun Signs displayed on a gallery wall

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Installation view: Nancy Holt: Locating Perception, Sprüth Magers, Los Angeles, 2022
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. each (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Photograph: Robert Wedemeyer
Courtesy Holt/Smithson Foundation and Sprüth Magers
 

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign that says "Sun Dried Fruits" above a concrete culvert

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A street sign that reads "Sunny Dunes Dr"

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign that says "SunAir" and has a red sun graphic

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a sign in the desert that says "Sundial"

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign against a blue sky that says "Sunair Center" and "Liquors, Deli"

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A gas station sign with gas prices and the word "Sunland"

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign that says "Sun-Ray Lodge" with Palm trees in the background

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign that says "SunSpa, Sales Servies" and "Swimming Pools" against a blue sky

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign on a restaurant that says "Sundaes"

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign along a roadside that says "Sunkist"

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign in front of a newspaper box that says "1st in Selling Power Classified Ads in the Desert Sun"

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign that says "Sunset Palms Resort Hotel T.V. Pool" against a blue sky

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A street sign that says "N. Sunair Plaza"

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign in a meadow that says "sun Gold Date Shop"

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign that says "The Sunshine Pre-School" above a rose bush

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign that says "sunbeam" above a flower bush

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A wood sign that says "Sungate Terrace"

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign that says "Sun Air Drugs" with a blue sky and palm trees in the background

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A sign that says "White sun guest ranch" with a yellow and white sun graphic

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)

Installation view: Nancy Holt: Photoworks, Haunch of Venison, London 2012

Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies

15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. each (38.1 x 38.1 cm)

Edition of 3 + 1 AP

Photograph: Peter Mallet

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

an arrangement of framed photographs displayed on a a white wall

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)

Installation view: Nancy Holt: Photoworks, Haunch of Venison, London 2012

Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies

15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. each (38.1 x 38.1 cm)

Edition of 3 + 1 AP

Photograph: Peter Mallet

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)

Installation view: Nancy Holt: Points of View, Parafin, London 2020

Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies

15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. each (38.1 x 38.1 cm)

Edition of 3 + 1 AP

Photograph: Peter Mallet

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

framed photographs displayed in a row in a room with white walls and wood floors

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)

Installation view: Nancy Holt: Points of View, Parafin, London 2020

Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies

15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. each (38.1 x 38.1 cm)

Edition of 3 + 1 AP

Photograph: Peter Mallet

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)

Installation view: Nancy Holt: Points of View, Parafin, London 2020

Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies

15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. each (38.1 x 38.1 cm)

Edition of 3 + 1 AP

Photograph: Peter Mallet

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

framed photographs displayed in a row in a room with white walls and wood floors

Nancy Holt, California Sun Signs (1972)

Installation view: Nancy Holt: Points of View, Parafin, London 2020

Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies

15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. each (38.1 x 38.1 cm)

Edition of 3 + 1 AP

Photograph: Peter Mallet

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

1970—1972

California Sun Signs

Nancy Holt
1972
Photo-series of 19 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, printed from original 126 format transparencies
15 1/8 x 15 1/8 in. each (38.1 x 38.1 cm)
© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

California Sun Signs ​stands out in Holt’s oeuvre as a remarkably playful perspective on some of her choice concepts. Featuring the word “sun” as it repeatedly appears in various commercial and infrastructural contexts throughout California, the photographic series reveals the myriad human inferences, manipulations, and conceptions of the sun. As with all of Holt’s photographic series, ​California Sun Signs ​defies the notion of a singular viewpoint, exploring instead the shifts in perspective and significance that are inextricable from the dynamic experience of active viewership.

See Also