C&D is an on-going collaboration with Braulio Lin to explore any subjects we deem appropriate. There is no specific format to the collaboration, as it can take shape in all kinds of media.
C&D: Refraction
Braulio and I have been talking about a series of collaborations involving both our expertise with media that we are comfortable to work with. This one is simply inspired by a photo of cold brew coffee sitting under the sunlight. The refraction of the glass caught our attention and Braulio immediately experimented with a wine glass and sent me a couple sample images.
We then decided to do two exercises on the topic. First one was to compose a nine-square with various images. Some were heavily modified and some were slightly enhanced. The second exercise is to create a footage of the refraction with music to capture and express the ever-changing nature of the phenomenon.
We then decided to do two exercises on the topic. First one was to compose a nine-square with various images. Some were heavily modified and some were slightly enhanced. The second exercise is to create a footage of the refraction with music to capture and express the ever-changing nature of the phenomenon.
Braulio’s initial thoughts:
The refraction created by the sunlight going through the glass of cold brew was beautiful, and it reminded me of every other time where I had encountered a similar phenomenon. While the patterns and colors don't resemble anything I would associate with the natural world, it is still something created by natural elements in an erratic and completely random manner. There is something ethereal and sublime about sunlight–which I consider the purest source of light–being sliced and sent in different directions by some translucent matter. I always experience a gut feeling of awe when I see these kinds of unlikely refractions. It's always too beautiful to ignore.
Thus the performance of photographing deliberately creating designs created by refracted sunlight is an attempt to harness beauty and make it live longer than an instant. An argument might be made that by capturing the design, one devalues its beauty.
On a brighter side, it allows us to digitally play with combinations, placement, and translucence. So that's good.
The refraction created by the sunlight going through the glass of cold brew was beautiful, and it reminded me of every other time where I had encountered a similar phenomenon. While the patterns and colors don't resemble anything I would associate with the natural world, it is still something created by natural elements in an erratic and completely random manner. There is something ethereal and sublime about sunlight–which I consider the purest source of light–being sliced and sent in different directions by some translucent matter. I always experience a gut feeling of awe when I see these kinds of unlikely refractions. It's always too beautiful to ignore.
Thus the performance of photographing deliberately creating designs created by refracted sunlight is an attempt to harness beauty and make it live longer than an instant. An argument might be made that by capturing the design, one devalues its beauty.
On a brighter side, it allows us to digitally play with combinations, placement, and translucence. So that's good.
Nico’s Initial thoughts:
What I found fascinating about glass refraction was that the complexity was not scripted nor designed, it is simply a reaction/result from sunlight with no agenda nor purpose. Similar to shadow created by sunlight, but the effect is more mesmerizing since there is a blend of fluidity in layers. There are no two refractions that are exactly the same, since it can be interpreted as a visual representation of time, it is constantly changing, and thus, unique and highly valuable. The exercise helped us establish our own values on glass refraction as well as understand its dynamic nature through the compositions.
What I found fascinating about glass refraction was that the complexity was not scripted nor designed, it is simply a reaction/result from sunlight with no agenda nor purpose. Similar to shadow created by sunlight, but the effect is more mesmerizing since there is a blend of fluidity in layers. There are no two refractions that are exactly the same, since it can be interpreted as a visual representation of time, it is constantly changing, and thus, unique and highly valuable. The exercise helped us establish our own values on glass refraction as well as understand its dynamic nature through the compositions.
Video filmed and edited by Braulio Lin