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Peter Lik’s Record-Smashing Phantom Now on Display!

Updated 07/28/2021
At the end of 2014, the Master Photographer officially sold the most expensive photograph in history, Phantom, for a record-breaking $6.5 million – along with his masterworks Illusion, for $2.4 million and Eternal Moods, for $1.1 million.

Now, for the first time, the private collector who acquired all three photographs is graciously allowing the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon to display the profound images in an exhibition through June 21st, 2015.

News of the $10 million sale has been making huge headlines for Peter Lik in the world of fine art for months. However, until now only the private collector, who wishes to remain anonymous for security reasons, has been able to enjoy these magical landscape scenes. For a limited time, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, known for showcasing remarkable works from around the world, reveals these three famous Peter Lik images – now on display in the South Upper Hallway.

Phantom, an Elite Edition One of One, black & white adaptation of Peter’s earlier, acclaimed masterwork, Ghost – captured in 2013 at one of the artist’s favorite locations: Antelope Canyon, Arizona. Peter commented on the image: “Certain textures and contours found in nature lend themselves beautifully to black and white photography. The intensity of contrasting light and dark spaces was surprising, but made for some of the most powerful images I’ve ever created.”

In a recent interview, Peter further went on to describe capturing the image: “It was in a subterranean cavern where I waited patiently for the sun to pass overhead. As soon as the perfect beam of light came through the overhead shaft, my Navajo guide threw a handful of dust into it, creating this intense ghostlike figure. I don’t think that image could ever be replicated. It still gives me chills when I think about it.”

Along with Phantom, Peter’s breathtaking images Eternal Moods and Illusion are both also on display. Eternal Moods is a black & white adaptation of another highly awarded shot, Eternal Beauty, also taken in a cavern at Antelope Canyon – while Illusion, captured in color, features an abstract winter setting in Telluride, Colorado. Illusion will have an extended residence at the museum through July 12th. Both images are also Elite Edition One of One prints.

This showcase is an opportunity to enjoy some of the Master Photographer’s most famous pieces against the backdrop of an institution that has been displaying remarkable fine art since 1933. However, once the current exhibition at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is over, it may never again be possible to see these impressive images up close.

/ Click for info on the exhibit at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.

Published 04/27/2015