William W. DuBois photograph collection

The William W. DuBois photograph collection contains multiple portfolios of his work.

Cuban Laundry (also known as Cuban Lines) – On one of several RIT study-abroad trips to Havana, Cuba, DuBois was inspired by not only the people and buildings of the city, but by the details of daily life as well, particularly the wire and rope clotheslines that stretch across and between buildings. In these images, color, motion and the vibrant blue of the sky combine with the playful, yet functional design of clotheslines, clothespins and laundry. In those images where all architectural references have been removed, the laundry items appear to be caught in midair, billowing and floating.

Bed Pan Images (also known as Bedpan Elegance) – Showcasing part of DuBois’ personal bedpan collection, these 24 minimalist images of antique and contemporary bedpans and male and female urinals of various sizes and materials elevate such lowly objects and turn them into objet d’art. DuBois himself admits to being enamored with bedpans due to their used “objectness,” and to have used this collection of images to highlight photography’s ability to create both a universal collection and an encyclopedia of all things.

Parisian Spaces (also known as Parisian Structures) – This collection, photographed in the 1990s, features heavy emphasis on structural elements, thanks to the use of a monochrome black-and-white, with a range of subtle greys. The photographs present the essence of constructed space with directional lines that lead the viewer into the presence of planned form and ambience, reflecting the cultural and aesthetic significance of Paris.

Image Sequence, “Wires” – While traveling through Germany in 1984, DuBois noticed the precision of the wiring installation used to supply the electricity for the train system. Selection of each connection provides a linear message for the viewer. The last image in the sequence brings in the motion of the train to help explain the purpose of the sequence.

There are also four random photographs which DuBois referred to as “Unique Images,” which were part of the same portfolio as Image Sequence, “Wires”, but not part of that sequence:

Scarborough Civic Centre - Toronto, Ontario, 1986

U.S. Library of Congress - Staircase, 1997

Jinan, China:

China Fishing Birds - 2009

China Lotus Farmer - 2009