Azimuths and all Between
Schlieren photography, cyanotype, masking fluid, ink, dishwashing liquid, wax pencil and graphite. Diptych, each 1120 x 760 mm, 2018.
At observatories like Mount Stromlo, technology extends our observation beyond the capability of the human eye. Each element in this work illustrates something unseen around us. Schlieren photography reveals invisible density changes when heat is emitted from a flame. Cyanotypes harness the ultraviolet waves of the sun to determine their blue exposure. Bubbles give shape to our breath.
Observational astronomy reminds us that our perception is never absolute and that the space between an observer and their desired object is brimming with interference and interest.
This project was born out of a research visit to Mount Stromlo Observatory and was featured alongside the works of eight other artists who visited the observatory in the exhibition Long Way Around at aMBUSH Gallery. The exhibition marked Canberra’s involvement in the 50th anniversary of the the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Schlieren photograph of the heat of a lit flame, taken for Azimuths and All Between. Special thanks to Rohan Houghton for instruction and aid with the Schlieren photography.
Photographs: Rory Gillen