Wales
- Artist: Josef Koudelka
- Date: 1974
- Medium: Photograph, gelatin silver print on paper
- Dimensions: image: 365 × 540 mm
- Museum: Tate Modern
- Collection record: Tate Modern website
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About this artwork
This is “Wales” by Josef Koudelka, a 1974 photograph printed on gelatin silver paper. Koudelka’s work is often marked by a keen eye for contrast and mood, and this piece is no exception. The gelatin silver process, popular in the 20th century for its deep blacks and fine detail, gives the image a timeless, almost documentary feel. The print measures 365 × 540 mm, a size that invites viewers to linger over the subtle shifts of light and texture. While the scene itself is open to personal interpretation, the stark composition encourages a quiet reflection on place and atmosphere. The black‑and‑white palette lets the viewer focus on form and tone, underscoring Koudelka’s skill at capturing moments that resonate with quiet power.
See it in person
Wales is in the collection of Tate Modern on Bankside, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
