Secondary Refuse

Secondary Refuse (Consume)

Secondary Refuse (Virus)

Secondary Refuse (Sport)

Secondary Refuse (Cleanse)

Secondary Refuse (Smash)

Secondary Refuse (Hygiene)

Secondary Refuse (Study)

Secondary Refuse (Stand)

Secondary Refuse (2010-2011) is a series of images of radioactive residue from the first manmade nuclear reaction in 1942. In collaboration with Everett Lawson, I designed and built cameras that could “see” the residual gamma radiation seeping through the ground. The purpose of these images is to reveal the nuclear reaction itself, 70 years later, creating visible representations of a watershed moment in history through the invisible traces it has left behind.


Through the process of creating gamma sensitive cameras and highly charged electromagnetic cowlings to deflect unwanted interference, these machines are bolted to the ground and the images are revealed through 8 to 16 hours of exposure.