Ineffable Light

I had previously visited crematoriums while completing the project Metamorphosis 2001. Back then I was concerned with the spaces where a change took place, from the physical to the metaphysical. I felt attracted and repelled by the portholes fitted on the doors of the cremation ovens, they gave me the possibility of looking right into my fear of death and fire. Although I had the choice to look into these peepholes I was too scared to give in to my curiosity.

Untitled 2006-07 was consequently started as a reaction to this curiosity and fear (something that stayed with me ever since). The distance I photographed them from is a testament to this conflict of feelings, this safe distance offer us the chance to see while it denies us the possibility of looking in.

Nevertheless the main issue this project deals with is the essence of photography itself. The portholes are lens-like but instead of letting the light in, these portholes allow the light to escape. The portholes are a metaphor for the way in which photography is reliant upon light and by placing the camera a few feet away perfectly aliened I was allowed to capture this evading light. What I find truly interesting is what these images suggest not just the light itself but also the shapes, scratches, dirt and dust on the doors' surfaces.