Explosion (Aperture Edition), 2014

While working on his handcrafted book GRFALWKV, Christopher Russell simultaneously created supplementary photographic works exploring the concepts of endings and disasters pulled from art theory, history, and pop culture. Working against traditional photography, Russell uses digital processes and scratching techniques to create scenes of calamity.

Explosion (Aperture Edition) is an example of this. With a razor blade, Russell etches intricate patterns and figures onto the surface of photographs of lens flare. The images transform into stylized explosions, fragments from scenes of an apocalyptic aftermath. The controlled chaos of his methodical process uses a visual narrative that references death and rebirth, as well as capturing the volatile nature of transience.

Archival Pigment Print
Edition of 10
Paper Size: 16 x 24 inches
Image Size: 16 x 24 inches
Signed and numbered by the artist

Christopher Russell (b. 1974, Sacramento, California) received his MFA from the Art Center College of Design. His work has been featured in group exhibitions at the Tokyo Institute of Photography; Norton Museum of Art, Florida; Armory Center for the Arts, California; White Columns, New York; De Appel arts centre, the Netherlands; Oakland Museum of California; and Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Russell also produces his own unique books in addition to his zine Bedwetter. His books include Sniper, Budget Decadence, Pattern Book, and Landscape. His work is in the collections of Deutsche Bank; Brooklyn Museum; Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; Rhode Island School of Design Museum; Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography.