The Opposite of Light

‘Architecture is the use of light and shade, space and walls’
(Corbusier)

The Opposite of Light is a recently started un-finished body of work. Here I have been investigating spaces that are in the process of being renewed or converted.

All of the images have been captured according to the Framework for production of images (see below) . The decorators and electricians working at the site have unintentionally composed the scenes. A door has been removed and casually leant against a wall, a black rubbish-bag has been left in a corner and the ubiquitous yellow work lamps illuminate the scenes.

By inverting the light and shade in these images (under post-processing), I aim to invert our response to the scenes. Shadowy corners become luminous and full of coloured light. Large flat open spaces become heavily shaded. Rubbish becomes precious, glowing and shining.

The opposite of light is not darkness. Darkness is the absence of light. What then is the opposite of light?

When I photograph, I do not touch the scene. I do not alter it by adding or removing anything or changing the lighting. I am like a police photographer: I arrive, I observe, I choose my vantage point and record what is there. Limiting myself to digital manipulations that could only be achieved in a traditional darkroom, I exaggerate the uncannyness of these places, or visualise a psychological state (usually related to the exercise of power) that is induced by these spaces.

The Opposite of Light 1, archival inkjet print on 100% rag, various sizes.

Framework for production of images
1. No flash.
2. No additional lighting, to that already at the scene.
3. No people shall be present in the images.
4. No physical alterations to the scene: nothing shall be touched or moved; no props may be added to the scene.
5. Horizontal and vertical lines at the scene should be in line with the picture edge and at 90-degree angles to each other (wherever possible).
6. No return: a site will not be photographed on more than one occasion.
7. Post-processing: if digital, is limited to techniques that could be achieved in a traditional darkroom or on-camera.