These infrared C-prints (40x30) of Prospect Park, NY, draw inspiration from the aesthetics of traditional Japanese painting, specifically the Rimpa school. By capturing the invisible spectrum of light, I explore a contemporary reinterpretation of this art form through photography.

 

The images evoke a poetic abstraction of nature, emphasizing the cyclical nature of seasons while subtly referencing the pressing issue of global warming. The compositions are characterized by sharp, bold contrasts and a vibrant palette of greens, blues, reds, and yellows, which echo the heat and shimmer of gold leaf. The imagery, featuring soon-to-drop leaves, detailed tree trunks, and distinct, empty branches, conveys a stylized, almost ephemeral beauty that distills the essence of each season.

 

Infrared light plays a critical role in altering perspective, "designing nature" by enhancing subtle details and inviting the viewer into an immersive experience. Like Rimpa, these photographs eschew complete forms, focusing instead on partial views that replicate the way our eyes perceive objects up close, challenging conventional perspectives.

 

Mounted on white acrylic, these chromogenic prints evoke the delicate quality of glass plates. The park's creator, Frederick Law Olmsted, was deeply influenced by the English garden style, itself shaped by East Asian principles that celebrated irregularity and asymmetry over rigid lines and order. This blend of influences provides a unique lens through which to appreciate Prospect Park, offering a fresh, multifaceted perspective on its landscape.