Infra
Photography
Throughout history, rocks have been utilised as natural timekeepers that provide valuable insight into the history of the Earth and the passage of time. Geological formations such as sedimentary layers in rocks have long served as a record of environmental change, allowing scientists brief glimpses into vast timelines that span millions of years.
As global coastal regions steadily crumble from coastal erosion, the displaced particles can reveal minute fragments of minerals and matter that can be utilised to understand both the past, present, and future of the Earth’s formation. Infra is an attempt to collect and preserve these fragments — to create a visual time capsule before they further deteriorate.
Infrared imaging is invaluable in physics and science for its ability to reveal thermal variations, revealing underlying physical processes that are often invisible to the human eye.
Meteorologists have harnessed the power of the infrared technology to observe the Earth’s atmosphere with absolute precision — by detecting subtle changes in temperature, it can provide a window into crucial atmospheric data that enables more accurate predictions and forecasting.
In astronomy, infrared technology is frequently used to build greater understanding of what exists beyond our visual spectrum. In 2021, NASA launched its monumental James Webb Space Telescope, which uses infrared technology as its primary means to collect valuable data about our Universe. Capable of producing the highest-resolution images of the cosmos ever seen, JWST observes the infrared spectrum to provide an unprecedented view of the universe’s history and composition.
For these reasons, it is clear that infrared technology is a vital tool for understanding the both physical world around us, and that beyond our visual spectrum.
In Infra, each image is meticulously framed to capture the subtle nuance and detail of the rocks, implying a sense of scrutiny that is akin to that of forensic photography.
Furthermore, the visual treatment of the monochrome images references that of infrared imaging with the desire to see through and within the rocks, to enhance their every detail as a means of predicting their material timeline.
Here, photography serves as an integral tool in the act of preservation — seeking to preserve not only the physical appearance of the rocks but also conserve their essence to ensure they endure beyond the confines of time.
