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Illuminating Darkness is a photo exhibition that showcases landscape photos. All of the photographs for this project were taken in complete darkness, without the aid of artificial light. Even the composition of the photo is done with our the benefit of seeing what is being photographed.

 

The exposure times for every image in the series is over one minute, with several images have exposure times of over 3 minutes. A combination of camera settings work together with the long exposure times to transforms the black abyss of a dark night into vibrant images. The quality I chose for each image conveys the feeling of each scene. Some show a crisp moment of clarity, while others take on a more abstract ethereal feel. The first time I saw the subject for many of these photographs was when it appeared on the camera's screen.

 

To enable the viewer to share in this experience, the photographs in this exhibit are concealed within ceramic panels, highlighted with glass. Without sight, the sense of touch becomes more important. The viewer will be able to touch the ceramic representations to connect with the photos before they can see them.

 

Clay was chosen for these panels because of its connection with the earth. In addition, the artist chose the textures to complement the photographs. Glass accents were added to ceramic frames, highlighting elements of the the photos. All of this gives a sense of the photo that lies beneath it. Only when you look into the object and a switch is flipped, turning on an LED light inside the display box, does the image come to light. This effect of an image emerging out of darkness mimics my experience of taking these images.

 

Temporary loss of sight as a child instilled in me the desire to bring images out of the darkness. While my vision was impaired, I had to rely on other senses. This experience taught me, at a young age, that there is more to our world than what can be seen with a glance. So often, people make judgments based on what they see on the surface. This work challenges the viewer to look within to discover something that was previously unseen.

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