Thoughts on Eric Hansen

While I am not entirely fond of Eric Hansen’s work itself, I certainly admire his methodology and ambition. His work is truly unique and, as he mentioned in his website introduction, enables him to artistically endeavor in other mediums. The scenes he fabricates demonstrates his vivid imagination and ability to fashion an “imaginary timescape”. Hansen’s utilizes every capability of the camera extremely impressively- his use of lighting, time exposure, fous and filtration are all important factors in creating his images. The fact that he refrains from working digitally or with Photoshop speaks to how much can be done with the “old fashioned”, analog method (reminds me of Jerry Uelsmann’s work). I am especially drawn to his use of light, which I think works particularly well with his decision to produce black and white images. The lighting enhances the mystical and supernatural feeling his images emit and adds another dimension for the viewer to ponder.

As to whether these images are lies or real is a debatable subject and, as we are well aware of based on our discussion in class last week, can be interpreted various ways. While the place Hansen is photographing is not a “real” place you or I could visit, it is one that exists for Hansen and one that he created by sculpting, painting and building. When I visited his studio (spent fall break with Britt) I was able to locate a variety of the pieces from his photographs on the walls and shelves. What he builds is real and tangible, but what he suggests through his images is not- it is based on “somewhere beyond the ordinary conscious world”.