Botanicals in Blue presents a collection of new work that combines my extensive exploration of X-ray imaging with the 19th-century Cyanotype process. Both photographic techniques are camera-less and intertwine the realms of science, art, and technology. X-ray images with their diaphanous monochrome tones, offer a glimpse into the inner structures of objects and organisms, revealing intricate details hidden from the naked eye. Cyanotypes have historically been used to document flora, and are renowned for their distinctive blue-toned hues and ethereal aesthetic. The process involves hand-coating paper with a solution of light-sensitive iron salts, exposing the X-ray image to UV light, and developing it in water. The final works are housed within a blue-stained, handcrafted frame specific in color to each image, creating a unique and unified work of art.
This series is motivated by my interest in the ineffable quality of nature. There is a sophistication and beauty in a flower that transcends human creation. We live in a fast-paced, technological, and digital-driven world that disconnects us from nature. These iconic images remind us of what we often overlook, inviting viewers to contemplate and reconnect with nature. Through this experience we are encouraged to value and protect the fragile ecosystems that surround us.
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Bryan Whitney is a photographer and installation artist based in New York. He has exhibited his work in galleries in Berlin, Paris, New York, and Santa Fe, and his images have been featured in numerous books and magazines. He teaches at the International Center of Photography, the Penumbra Foundation, and is the recipient of a Fulbright lecture grant for photography. His work focuses on experimental imaging and the natural environment.
