Model for Fading Shadows

Fading Shadows is based on the perception and relationship of shadow and light. It modifies shadows cast by physical objects as well as projected images, and either conceals or otherwise alters them by painting. The viewer’s physical presence acts together with the masked shadows, causing an unanticipated and perplexing shift in them. They seem to be suspended somewhere in between the background and the viewer’s own shadow, while shadows that were painted to seem imperceptible remain unnoticed and become visible again only by the viewer’s intervention. Despite the baffling effect, it is carried out by using ordinary paint, light and shadow and is based on simple phenomena of colour and light.

Images of a model for piercing shadows, at AiR Sandnes, Norway, 2016

The shadow of the rod is fragmented in the middle.
The shadow of the rod is fragmented in the middle.
When shadows are removed, the wall appears empty. They turn visible only when converged with the viewer’s shadow (image below)
When shadows are removed, the wall appears empty. They turn visible only when converged with the viewer’s shadow (image below)

Model for Fading Shadows

Residue images after masking shadows of various objects.
Residue images after masking shadows of various objects.