Capturing the Glacier’s Gaze

In this Artist Talk, artist Tristan Duke talks with guest curator Boaz Levin about his ongoing experimental project Glacial Optics. Inspired by the realization that ancient ice is often exceptionally clear and that glaciers could be thought of as "natural optical elements," the artist used special tools to craft a lens from glacier ice during his expeditions to the Arctic. Mounted in a large tent camera, this extraordinary camera obscura captures the “glacier’s gaze” on large scale negatives (106 x 250 cm), according to Duke. The artist provides insight into the process of creating his research-based project, which includes expeditions, photograms and performances, and talks about his understanding of the environment as a living entity.

Tristan Duke (*1981, USA) is an experimental artist based in Los Angeles. Using innovative approaches to material and craft, paired with creative research, and artist actions, Duke explores visual ways of knowing to create radical new perspectives. He has lectured and exhibited internationally including at LACMA, MASS MoCA, The Santa Fe Institute, The Exploratorium, The George Eastman Museum, Les Rencontres d'Arles, Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, and many others.