"In the years, between 1984 and 1997, photographer Joe Deal recorded the transformation of a chaparral-covered mountaintop into the travertine-covered complex of the Getty Center. "--BOOK JACKET. "He completed the assignment in two phases: The photographs made during the first phase (April 1984-March 1989) capture the natural ruggedness of the terrain and establish its relationship to the developed neighboring enclaves. Those made during the second phase (April 1992-August 1997) not only record the actual construction process but also reveal Deal's personal perspective on the qualities of light and the creation of form. Represented in this book as a selection from the resulting portfolio, Topos, a Greek word meaning place, site, position, and occasion - Deal's artistic legacy to the Gerry Center. "--BOOK JACKET.