“Ethereal Ether Echoes” the name of the new work and exhibition. A collection of 174 images was exhibited at the V.M Gallery 2005. Complete collection is on line for sale.

Introduction ::.

On exhibition are emerging photo media arts. A single part of the gallery takes up a traditional photographic genre, but extends and subtly shifts it into compelling new realms of digital art. Ultimately the images within their individual environment reveal the essence of their nature. Larger images engage with complex concepts and the smaller tend to tone down to a simply series of travelogue images.

“Ethereal Ether Echoes” the formation and name of the exhibition was inspired by a single thought; contemplation upon the presence of eternity after this life has begun the journey home. Our earthly demise is not the end of a journey but the continuation of one that began four thousand years earlier with the creation of the soul. The images in this exhibition depict travels the eyes have taken alongside the heart, mind and, finally, the essence.

… When the spirits became attached to the physical bodies, they forgot the covenant they had contracted on the day when Allah asked them: "Am I not your Lord?" and they said: "Yes indeed!" Because of this, they did not return to the original home, but the All-Merciful Source of Help took pity on them. He sent down Heavenly Books to remind them of that original home. As He has said (Exalted is He):

We sent Moses with Our signs, [saying]:
wa la-qad arsalna Musa bi-ayati-na
"Bring your people forth from darkness into light,
an akhrij qawma-ka mina 'z-zulumati ila 'n-nuri
and remind them of the days of Allah."
wa dhakkir-hum bi-ayyami 'llah. (14:5)

In other words: "Remind them of the former days of communion with Him, in the company of the spirits."

… the four elements that that give birth to all material forces and faculties. Two of these four elements are earth and water, which are responsible for the growth of faith and knowledge, give life to the living, and appear in the heart as humbleness, for the earth is humble. The other two elements are fire and ether. They are the opposite of earth and water. They burn destroy kill. It is the Divine that unites these opposites in one being. How do water and fire coexist? How are light and darkness contained with in the clouds?

We created the human being from a sperm-drop,
inna khalaqna 'l-insana min nutfatin
a mingling, in order to try him;
amshajin nabtali-h:
and We made him hearing, seeing.
fa-ja'alna-hu sami'an basira. (76:2)

… After the manifestation of this inner meaning, it becomes a simple matter to pass from the surface of the oceans of creation to the depths of the commandment. In comparison with the realm of the spirit, every other realm is like a drop of water. After that [manifestation], the spiritual and esoteric sciences are communicated without a letter [of the alphabet] and without a sound.

~ Shaikh Abd al- Qadir al- Jilani (Radiya llahu anh)- May Allah be pleased with him) Kitab Sirr al-Asrar wa Mazhar al-Anwar (The Book of the Secret of Secrets and the Manifestation of Lights)

About the Art :: Concept & Technique ::.

The elation of making digital photographic work is the opportunity to compile and apply material from a range of sources: photographs, anecdotes, daily incidences, other imagery and scripts (whether personal or found) and merge them together in a new milieu or narrative. As a digital artist I like to access these “essential” images and recreate or reconfigure them in some way, perhaps into something completely new but known.

Each print in this series is signed, titled and numbered on the mat. The photo paper selected for printing the exhibition material is Fujiflex Crystal Archive Supergloss. Fuji Crystal Archive paper are accepted as the standard for “fine-art” photographic gallery prints

The base support and silver halide crystal control technology work together to produce improved whiteness, highlight and shadow depth qualities, making this an all purpose color print paper for the photofinisher. So in effect, all prints look better and last longer, fulfilling the needs of the present day professional photographer. For the ultimate high gloss print making bright, sharp and colorful display prints with huge impact. Unsurpassed image stability shared by all Fujicolor Crystal Archive Professional papers.

Improved lab handling characteristics make this RA-4 paper easy to use in the lab, and Crystal Archive image stability continues to assure display prints will withstand the test of time with unparalleled print permanence.

The Fujiflex Crystal Archive print produced on the Durst Lambda printer has become my print of choice.  This combination of paper and printer produces an exceptionally sharp, vivid, color-rich, highly archival print that rivals and often surpasses the quality of traditional Ilfochrome.

Photographic Image Permanence ::.

Most photographic color prints (C prints) will fade markedly with 5-10 years on display, although the best color print material, Epson Premium Glossy roll paper (105 yrs) will out perform Fuji Crystal Archive (40-60 yrs) or Kodak Endura (35 yrs, from a Kodak White paper) chromogenic papers in both color gamut and image stability, based on Wilhelm data (WIR) http://www.wilhelm-research.com/

Over the passed many years by choice of film has been Fuji Velvia slide film. Its 17-layer structure delivers a unique level of power and sharpness, whilst its brilliant color reproduction, tonal range and image execution.

::. Optimized for PC Viewing - Mac monitors will render the images lighter than intended.