A historical and artistic masterwork…

In traditional methods of developing photographic images, imagine some silver-halide crystals on the negative reacting to incident photons of light such that silver ions absorb halide electrons, transforming from AG+ to AGo (the latter being known as metallic silver). These metallic silver atoms coalesce around intentional impurity particles called sensitivity specs. When first exposed to light, these variously affected atoms, which are suspended in a gelatin emulsion to keep them evenly distributed, do not present a visible change to the naked eye of an observer. The film looks as if it was never exposed. The present, but not visible molecular pattern is known as a “Latent Image.” It’s as thought a secret message has been breathed into the surface.

Responding to the foundation portraitures and artifact images, the artist selects pigments to intensify shades and add emotional reflections, incorporating seismic transformations, visual effects in time, groupings, and juxtapositions in the triptych form. This atomic and photonic “reaction” manifests as vibrant hues, shadows, textures, occlusions, and highlights.

The initially muted monochromes (latent images) thus evolve into clear, vibrant kinesthetic visuals, filled with expressive contrasts, transformations, and detailed nuances. Symbolically, each photograph, now revealed fully, carries an amplified expression.

An edition of 6, Latent Radiance has a runtime of 12:00 minutes that gives viewers time to appreciate the mastery of color and composition.

This piece can be viewed at the Smithsonian-affiliate Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville Georgia, and at the Woolaroc Museum in Oklahoma beginning in February of 2026.