Credit: Jeremy Floto and Cassandra Warner
Artists Jeremy Floto and Cassandra Warner have made a photographic series entitled ‘Colourant’ that seemingly shows large splashes of colorful liquid morphed into sculptures that float in midair. The images were taken at a speed of 1/3,200th of a second, transforming an ephemeral moment into an eternal creation.
Metro catches up with the artistic duo to learn about their project.
What’s the idea behind your project “Colourant”?
It’s a series of floating sculptures that pass you by as an imperceptible flash. A fleeting moment, that blocks and obscures the landscape, a momentary graffiti of air and space. We shot these pictures with a high-speed shutter to freeze the action. Typically our shutter was around 1/3,200th of a second. There is no photoshop used. There is meant to be a bit of magic here. It’s something counter to our daily experience in the world.
How did the landscapes play a role in the photos?
The project has indeed stemmed from a long-held fascination we’ve had with the expansive landscapes found out in the west of the United States. We primarily photographed around northern Nevada and found that very minimal landscapes worked the best, so that the shapes really stood out.
The colors certainly make the shapes look vibrant.
We tried to pick hues that complemented the landscape. It was difficult to perfect the technique of throwing the liquid – you need to get out of frame and make different shapes. We got drenched several times! But the paint is non-toxic, non-staining and composed of 95% water.
What do you think makes your photos so unique?
It’s the ability to take the transitory and make it immortal. They are short-lived anomalies that pass you by.
Were you surprised by your artwork at all?
We really didn’t know what to expect because your eye doesn’t really catch the action. Then you look at the back of the camera and your jaw drops. Some of them are amazing to stare at like clouds.
