Augmented Visions: Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Humanity in Contemporary Photography by [dNASAb]

“Faux Ecologies + Artificial Reefs of the Metaverse_Obscene Plasticene Daydream_ #7a ” 2023 Photograph.Glossy pigment print mounted on aluminum with UV plexiglass 31″H (x) 42″ W

My artistic journey in contemporary photography is fueled by a profound fascination with the evolving ways in which we perceive and experience the world. In our rapidly advancing technological era, where the boundaries between the tangible and the virtual continue to blur, I am captivated by the immense potential to augment our understanding and interaction with reality. Through my art, I aim to capture and comment on the pivotal nature of human existence and our profound interconnection with technology.

Central to my creative process is the concept of augmentation. I have always sought to transcend traditional photography by integrating various elements and techniques to augment the visual narratives I wish to convey. Instead of relying solely on capturing the visible world, I construct temporary models and room-sized sets that serve as the stage for my photographic compositions. These meticulously crafted environments combine illuminated sculptures, upcycled materials from my waste stream, complex lighting arrangements, natural elements, and often carefully arranged flora, reminiscent of Ikebana, transforming the scenes into multidimensional works of art.

In my work, I explore the concept of “augmentation” by infusing the physical space with elements that enhance the narrative and challenge traditional perspectives. I utilize “Neural Radial Field” scans to create 3D digital models of the temporary installations, and then employ “Augmented Reality” to juxtapose these virtual models with the physical sets. This fusion of the real and the virtual adds layers of complexity and opens up new possibilities for storytelling. By blurring the boundaries between the tangible and the virtual, I aim to prompt viewers to question their own perceptions and engage in a deeper exploration of the interplay between technology and humanity.

To further enhance the impact of my imagery, I employ a diverse range of lighting techniques, incorporating motion, atmospheric effects, reflections, mist, fog, running water, and even explosives. These experimental approaches allow me to create images that serve as visual references to the pivotal moments in the history of technological and human progress. I seek to document and visualize significant shifts in culture and advancements, highlighting the explosive changes that augment our future lives.

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) has captivated the artistic sphere, my latest body of work challenges the perception of “generated” imagery. While the digital realm is often associated with AI-created art, I intentionally blur the boundaries by presenting photographs that appear to be AI-generated but are, in fact, physical models and illuminated sculptures crafted from reclaimed materials. Through the use of complex lighting systems, I encapsulate time and space within these physical constructs, creating a sense of mystery and wonder that invites viewers to question the boundaries of reality.

The process begins by constructing temporary sculptures using translucent and colored plastics, reflective metals, mirrors, and glass. These materials are embedded with LEDs and fiber optics, adding an ethereal quality to the scenes. In complete darkness, I photograph the compositions using long exposures. As the shutter remains open, I become a performer, physically hand-lighting the sculptural set and manipulating the LEDs, atmospheric effects, and video projections to shape the final image. Each photograph represents a singular moment captured through the lens, an intimate encounter between the physical and the ephemeral.

Through my visionary photographs, I aspire to create new mysteries that invite contemplation and introspection. Drawing inspiration from the realms of fiction, abstraction, technology, psychedelia, and temporary sculptural spaces, I aim to provoke dialogue about the complex relationship between humanity and the augmented world we inhabit. In this ongoing exploration, my work serves as a visual portal, inviting viewers to reimagine the possibilities that lie at the intersection of technology and the human experience.