Circles of Confusion

2024

A circle of confusion is a photographic term describing a blurred spot caused by light rays passing through a lens, not coming into focus. When nothing is sharp or in focus, it is within this opaque space the works in this exhibition begin to take form. Through a series of photographs and video works; various objects, text and light, Circles of Confusion delves into the principles of refraction, optical devices, and an inability to decode what we see.

Privacy filters are a material indicative of our time, as we spend many hours sharing online conversely, we have become more anxious about screen privacy. Constructed out of compact louvres, like vertical blinds they allow us to see through when viewed straight on but conceal from prying eyes at an angle. Circles of Confusion utilizes the privacy filter, as both object and metaphor, exploring ideas of seeing and not seeing, asking – what does opacity reveal? Vertical lines also traverse and converge in the gallery space, altering viewpoints as the audience moves around. Some act as support structures holding monitors and objects, or inscribe a more personal narrative into the space, while others track photographs on an imagined graph.

Many of the artworks take their visual cues from the same source, a National Geographic Society ‘Our Universe Space Kit.’ An educational box produced in 1980 containing a star chart, vinyl record, self-assembly telescope, and transparencies to view depictions of space, both real and imagined. The universe in a box was a compelling way to begin a project that has expanded into new photographs, murals, videos, and soundscapes. The works invite reflection on our expectations that new technology always affords clarity.

Installation views from Hippolyte Galleria, Helsinki 8.2-3.3.2024