Out of the Darkness

 Abstract photography reminiscent of vortographs and mandalas, these lens-based post-productions of source images from site-specific events of senseless violence, commemorate and open a discussion of collective trauma without the use of graphic and triggering imagery. Subsequently a dialogue is opened about patterns of violence and how fallacious perceptions can have fatal consequences.

These acts of terrorism are a result of twisted ideology due to any combination of the following: mental health issues, radicalization, conspiracy theories or extreme political agendas.

The series, “Out of the Darkness” does not need the graphic imagery of the wounded and the dead to make its documentary statement. Instead, it relies on a layered approach. 

The first layer is the aesthetics. A healing mandala engages the viewer and draws them in. The second layer is a commemoration to create a permanent public memory of the heinous event. The third layer is the learning component wherein we constantly reiterate the need clarity, truth. The answer to hate is not more hate. The answer to hate is more love. The answer to darkness is more light. The series, OOTD, does take a stand. It is to our shared humanity, compassion and empathy.
 

Much like the events they document, the iridescent orbs from this series are multi-layered and have poorly defined boundaries. The photographic details become apparent upon close inspection of the 40x40” tableaus.

Limited edition archival prints in the following sizes: 

60 in/152 cm, 40 in/102 cm, 24 in/61 cm.