SCROLLS

CLINT BACLAWSKI

//Based in Boston, MA, USA, Clint embarked on his journey in photography during his studies of fine arts, where he cultivated a profound appreciation for the interaction between light and space. This intrigue with the visual realm motivated him to delve into photography as a means of capturing and understanding the world surrounding him.

“Over the years, I have honed my skills as a photographer, experimenting with different techniques and styles to create images that challenge and intrigue viewers. My work often explores themes of urban landscapes, light, and perception, pushing the boundaries of traditional photography to create visually stunning and thought-provoking images.

My goal as a photographer is to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the medium. I strive to create images that not only captivate the viewer but also invite them to see the world in a new light. I am constantly seeking out new techniques and technologies to expand my creative horizons and share my unique perspective with others. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to see the beauty and complexity of the world around them and to engage in a deeper dialogue about the nature of photography and perception.”

“Light is not so much something that reveals, as it is itself the revelation.”

James Turrell

What draws you to the arts?

For me, the arts are a deeply personal avenue of expression. I find peace in the ability to convey my emotions, thoughts, and experiences in ways that words alone cannot achieve. Moreover, I’m endlessly intrigued by the opportunity for exploration and experimentation that the arts offer. Trying new techniques, materials, and concepts allows me to continually push the boundaries of my creativity and expand my artistic horizons. Finally, I believe in the power of art to foster connections and communicate universal truths.

What do you like best about this project?

What I find most compelling about my latest scroll series is its capacity to challenge viewers’ perceptions of nature. Through the innovative use of motorized scrolls typically seen in advertising, I craft dynamic landscapes that aim to unsettle and provoke contemplation. Drawing from my background in advertising photography, I intentionally expose the artificiality embedded within commercial imagery, transforming familiar natural scenes through vibrant colors and inverted perspectives. Central to the series are themes of identity, environmental degradation, and the commercial exploitation of nature. By juxtaposing elements of the natural world with mechanical components, I prompt viewers to confront humanity’s impact on the environment. Ultimately, what resonates most with me about this series is its ability to serve as a powerful commentary on the disconnect between humanity and nature in our profit-driven society.

Clint works with methods, formats and materials that push the physical boundaries of photography and he draws on his advertising background to display images in unconventional ways.

The scroll series is a collection of landscape photographs that explore the concept of time and space with emphasis on the natural environment through a unique visual perspective. Each photograph in the series is a single photograph on 4×5 film, capturing a bucolic landscape. The resulting artworks are abstract and ethereal, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

Once he captures the initial photograph, he employs digital editing software to further enhance and manipulate the image. He might tweak the colors, contrast, and saturation to achieve a more dynamic and visually compelling result. Additionally, he experiments with various blending modes and filters to infuse the final image with depth and dimensionality. Subsequently, he prints them onto inkjet backlight film and attaches them to custom-built scrolling advertising displays.

“Overall, the scroll series is an exploration of the relationship between time, space, and perception. Through these photographs, I seek to challenge the viewer’s perception of reality and invite them to contemplate the nature of time and space in our world,” says Clint.

Although photographs of the installations can surely not do justice to a real life experience of viewing these artworks, in the gallery below, you can appreciate the luminous “scroll” displays Clint has created with his landscape photography, and also see the technology used to illuminate the scrolls.

Click on the photos to see a larger image in original dimensions. Some images may be cropped for layout.