Thematic Intersections
Shaping the Future of Photography’s Past: A Journey Through The Zero Baseline of Photography
As we stand on the brink of photography’s 200th anniversary, the art and science of capturing moments are primed for a reflective and visionary transformation. The Zero Baseline of Photography, initiated by SEETHINK Lab, invites us on an exploratory journey that redefines our relationship with photography. This initiative, rich in the essence of phenomenology, time, transparency, and transcendence, aims not just to revisit the milestones of photography but to re-envision them for future generations.
The Fusion of Art and Science
Photography, at its core, can be considered an alchemy of art and science. It captures the transient, framing moments that, once passed, remain only in memory and image. The project’s focus on the phenomenology of scientific and artistic first photographs challenges us to perceive these captured moments not merely as historical artifacts but as dialogues between the observer and the observed. From the first permanent photograph by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1827 to the groundbreaking image of a black hole captured in 2019, each first photograph serves as a testament to photography’s evolving narrative.
1827 Joseph Nicéphore Niépce – First permanent photograph, Point de vue du Gras
2019 Event Horizon Telescope – Astronomers Capture the First Image of a Black Hole
Bridging Time and Perception
The notion of time in photography transcends the mere chronological. It encapsulates the progression of technological advancements, the deepening of artistic expression, and the broadening of human perception. The Zero Baseline of Photography highlights these moments—like A. M. Worthington’s 1900 “Spark Photograph of Splash,” which froze time, offering viewers a vision of the unseen, or the 2015 capture of light as both wave and particle, challenging our understanding of the fundamental nature of reality.
1900 A. M. Worthington – Spark Photograph of Splash, © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
2015 Light as wave and particle, © Fabrizio Carbone/EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Transparency and the Quest for Truth
In an era saturated with images, the project’s emphasis on transparency invites a re-evaluation of authenticity in photography. This journey through first photographs underscores the medium’s power to reveal truths about our world, from the discovery of the X-ray by Röntgen in 1895, seeing beneath the surface of his wife’s hand, to the 2022 image of “Cosmic Cliffs” in the Carina Nebula, capturing almost 16 light years across time and space.
1895 Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen – First X-ray, Hand von Frau Röntgen
2022 NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI – Cosmic Cliffs in the Carina Nebula, spanning almost 7.3 arcminutes (16 light-years)
Transcendence and the Boundless Imagination
Photography’s capacity to transcend the limitations of the human eye and imagination forms a cornerstone of SEETHINK Lab’s exploration. The transcendental dimension of photography invites us to envision beyond the visible, into realms of intuitive seeing and thinking. The first successful underwater photographs by Louis Boutanin in 1898, initiated our continuous exploration within the unknown depths of the sea. In 1968 “Earthrise” captured by William A. Anders, offered humanity a profound new perspective of our planet, inspiring a collective awe and sense of our place in the universe.
1898 Louis Boutan – Photographie sous-marine
1968 William A. Anders – Earthrise, NASA, Apollo Archive
Zero Baseline of Photography: A Foundation for the Future
As we approach the bicentennial celebration of photography, the Zero Baseline of Photography stands as a beacon for both reflection and innovation. It challenges educators, curators, artists, and enthusiasts to engage with photography’s past with fresh eyes and open minds. This initiative not only aims to curate a definitive collection of first photographs but also to foster a participatory research environment where the future of photography’s past is continuously re-imagined and reshaped.
Looking Ahead with Curiosity and Creativity
The upcoming 200th anniversary of photography is not just a milestone but a portal to new possibilities. The Zero Baseline of Photography reminds us of the power of collective curiosity and creativity to shape the future of our past. As we explore the depths of photography’s legacy, we are also sketching the contours of its future—a future where every image, every moment, and every perception is an invitation to see and think differently. It’s a dialogue that transcends time and space, inviting us to experience the ever-evolving story of photography—a story that is as much about where we have been as it is about where we are going.