ROCK SAFARI

ROCK SAFARI is a large format analog study of rock outcroppings illuminated by a high-powered, long-range hunting flashlight.

ROCK SAFARI is a large format analog study of rock outcroppings illuminated by a high-powered, long-range hunting flashlight. Nestled in various locations of the Mojave Desert, these formations are slowly and selectively painted with light during exposures on 4x5 color negative that range from eight to forty-five minutes. This process is both a mediation on rare sightings of ancient geological treasures, as well as an ephemeral, time-based performance, rendering no two exposures alike. 

Mirroring expeditions to observe or hunt animals in the wild, this project is the geological equivalent of going on safari. Traversing remote locations in off-roading vehicles, large format camera system in tow, while scanning the landscape with a tactical flashlight, this methodology is reminiscent of catching an animal's eyeshine in the dark. In ROCK SAFARI, the rocks themselves act as giant tapeta lucida, the layer of tissue in the eyes of nocturnal animals which reflects light back through the retina and creates the eye “shining” effect in the night.

© Austin Irving - Joshua Tree National Park No. 1 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond
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Joshua Tree National Park No. 1 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond

© Austin Irving - Rainbow Basin Natural Area No. 1 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond
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Rainbow Basin Natural Area No. 1 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond

© Austin Irving - Joshua Tree National Park No. 2 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond
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Joshua Tree National Park No. 2 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond

© Austin Irving - Rainbow Basin Natural Area No. 2 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond
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Rainbow Basin Natural Area No. 2 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond

© Austin Irving - Joshua Tree National Park No. 3 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond
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Joshua Tree National Park No. 3 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond

© Austin Irving - Vasquez Rocks Natural Area No. 1 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond
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Vasquez Rocks Natural Area No. 1 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond

© Austin Irving - Joshua Tree National Park No. 3 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond
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Joshua Tree National Park No. 3 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond

© Austin Irving - Rainbow Basin Natural Area No. 3 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond
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Rainbow Basin Natural Area No. 3 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond

© Austin Irving - Joshua Tree National Park No. 4 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond
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Joshua Tree National Park No. 4 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond

© Austin Irving - Rainbow Basin Natural Area No. 4 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond
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Rainbow Basin Natural Area No. 4 - 4×5 Color Negative – Archival Lightjet Print on Dibond

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