Extinguishing Light

Extinguishing Light (2013) is a three projector installation. The photographs are appropriated from four body farm research facilities that study the decomposition of a corpse. This work connects conceptual ideas, such as death, with a living, tangible image. Each projector emits a rectangle that overlaps with each other. The projecting still images are in a loop. The experience is meant to be comforting for the viewer, letting them explore the enigma of death through abstraction and color through magnified sections of decomposing bodies. The viewer can walk in front of the projection and it becomes interactive. Living shadows are cast against the projected still lives. One hears the sounds of the fans in the projectors and creates an abstract noise atmosphere. My inspiration with the project comes from Sally Mann’s work on portraits of decomposing bodies and dog remains. I am also influenced by James Turrell’s large room installations where his projections of light encompass the viewer.