Objects at Hand

In 2024, Daniel Gordon began a series of black-and-white photographs that delve into transparency, light, and shadow, inviting viewers into an active process of questioning reality versus perceived interpretation. Light Study centers on familiar objects found in his home and studio-- such as glasses, kitchenware, and stationery--arranged in striking tableaux that probe the relationship between images and objects. Many objects in his compositions appear to have a translucent quality, giving the impression that one can peer though, yet in reality the photographed object is entirely opaque. This subtle contradiction between appearance and reality complicates the viewing experience, compelling a closer, more intentional gaze. Presented entirely in grayscale and without the distraction of color, Gordon's photographs emphasize rhythm and form through dramatic shadows cast by his studio lighting, lending the images a gravitas reminiscent of canonical modernist photography. One is drawn to look closely, then look again, continually questioning the boundaries between perception and belief. This new series builds upon Gordon's distinctive process, bridging photography, painting, and sculpture. Since receiving his MFA from Yale in 2006, he has meticulously crafted complex photographs by sourcing images online or capturing them with his iPhone, then creating paper replicas that mimic the form of the original objects. These stand-ins, though seemingly improvised, are intricately assembled and arranged into tableaux, then photographed from a single, frontal perspective. In Light Study, Gordon revisits his earlier explorations of reality and interpretation through form, drawing inspiration from modernists like Andr?Kert廥z, the surrealist experiments of Man Ray, and the rigorous formal work by the postmodern photographer Jan Groover. By emphasizing shadows alongside the objects that cast them, he creates an ambiguous visual space, challenging viewers to continually question and reinterpret what they see. His black-and-white palette reimagines the historical trajectory from monochrome to color, expanding his visual language while preserving the transformative ethos at the heart of his practice.