Exhibition Review: Alice Miceli
Exhibition Review: Alice Miceli
"Miceli raises questions about the consequences of radical progression and humanity’s negative impact on the environment," writes Charlie Breen in Musée Magazine about Projeto Chernobyl.
Chernobyl and its nuclear fallout have been a source of fascination, intrigue, and fear for the thirty-three years since the disaster. Mystery surrounds the area as radioactivity and nature take over the abandoned towns within the site’s radius. Not only does this make for some incredibly striking imagery, but it also makes Chernobyl a hazardous and toxic place to visit. Yet we cannot see this radioactive poison that fills the air. In her exhibition, Projeto Chernobyl, Alice Miceli shows us that there are other dimensions of photography through which radioactivity can be viewed.
On display at Americas Society on Park Avenue, Projeto Chernobyl is the results of years of work done by the artist. Micelli’s images capture the effects of radioactive gamma rays on openly exposed film. However, not just any film could be used. In order to capture the effects of gamma radiation, Micelli had to use radiographic film - film sensitive to radiation typically used in medical examinations...
The final products are intriguing. Varying levels of radiation and exposure leave a diverse mix of blotches, streaks, waves and patterns. Different film samples have been subject to different levels of gamma radiation and natural elements. While the series of radiographs clearly displays the movement of radiation there is not much of a consistent pattern to behold, adding to the malevolent beauty of the radioactive shadows...
Alice Miceli’s exhibition will be on display at Americas Society until January 25, 2020. She will also be giving a talk at the gallery on October 15, and on October 22 Americas Society will host a panel discussion entitled, ‘Invisible Threats: Human Rights, The Environment, and Art...
