Joe Levack (b.1963)
Planet Akron, 2014 and 2018
Materials: Digital print on canvas, 48" x 48"
Location: Summa Health, Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower, Akron Campus (141 N. Forge St.), Blue Neighborhood, Fifth Floor, opposite the family lounge, with a view of downtown Akron.
About the Artwork
Planet Akron is a captivating exploration of Akron’s skyline, transformed through a dramatic, spiraling composition. Joe Levack’s digital print captures the city at night, winding the lights and contours of the skyline into a mesmerizing spiral that evokes a celestial “planet.”
This piece challenges viewers to discern the components that form the planet. The photograph’s unique construction blends two separate images; one of the towering buildings, which create a dynamic, vertical structure, and another of the North Hill Viaduct, which winds tightly in a spiral. The viaduct’s illuminated railings trace a bold line toward the heart of the composition, pulling us deeper into the scene. The intricate city lights, mirrored and distorted, appear to be stretched by the forces of a cosmic vortex, adding a surreal, sci-fi element to the piece. The result is a striking juxtaposition of Akron’s recognizable urban landscape and an imaginative, otherworldly vision that speaks to both the familiar and the fantastic.
About the Artist
Levack’s work is rooted in his background as an award-winning commercial photographer, with both a thriving studio in Akron and a diverse roster of corporate clients. His artistic contributions extend beyond this piece, with photography showcased at prominent institutions like the Akron Art Museum and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Levack’s unique ability to blend artistry with commercial work is evident in Planet Akron, which stands as a powerful testament to his skill in capturing both the essence and mystery of Akron.
See More of Joe Levack’s Work
In addition to Planet Akron, Levack’s photography can be found in the Summa Health Foundation offices on the Akron campus. For a broader view of his portfolio, visit his website, where his creative and commercial photography are seamlessly intertwined.