Hao-Jhe (Joseph) Huang

"Human as Light Sensitive Material"

Section MS7, Sam Nightingale

Keywords: photography, body

In the fleeting daylight of London's winter, where shadows lengthen and the sun becomes a rare commodity, I grapple with a profound realisation. Hailing from a subtropical region, my intrinsic bond with sunlight has never been more evident. This introspection birthed the concept of "Human as Light Sensitive Material," a project that redefines the conventional narrative of human interaction with light.

My approach intertwines experimental photography with a personal inquiry into the rhythms of nature and human physiology. By repurposing everyday objects into a UV device, I chart an innovative path. As I rest, my hand rests upon a 4x5 X-ray film. This simple act, repeated over various nights, captures a unique imprint of my existence – the intricate dance of fingerprints, each telling a story of that day's journey into slumber, reflecting the subtle shifts in my sleep patterns, psychological state, and the unseen chemical ballet within.

This project is a scientific exploration, a personal narrative, and a philosophical contemplation rolled into one. It's about capturing the essence of human life, our intrinsic connection with the cosmos, and the unspoken dialogue between our corporeal forms and the celestial light. The resulting images are not just visual records but a testament to the interplay of human behaviour, environmental influences, and the elusive nature of light.

Through "Human as Light Sensitive Material," I invite viewers to witness this unique interaction and to see themselves as part of a larger cosmic narrative. It's a call to reflect on the profound relationship between our everyday lives and light's ethereal yet omnipresent essence.