photographic captures of water in motion by moses hacmon

photographic captures of water in motion by moses hacmon
images courtesy of moses hacmon

frozen images of translucent liquid in motion compose israeli artist moses hacmon‘s series, ‘faces of water’. the pictures expose previously unphotographed movement — the flow of water — capturing a singular moment in a clear, three dimensional space. the project was driven by his ambition to visually represent time through concrete objects, and his curiosity in the physical characteristics of the compound, particularly its movement through a vessel, reaction to light, and endless transformations. hacmon spent eleven years studying and investigating these properties, seeking out in which ways he could photographically capture the transparent liquid.

unable to use any kind of camera that captures light — because visible light either passes directly through water or reflects off its surface like a mirror — hacmon developed an analog technique that would work with the substance in its original state. his creation of a fluid film made out of nanoparticles retains a liquid layer of iron, registering the water’s movement first, which can then can be imprinted on any surface, and in any shape. the result is a photographic negative that he then transforms into a positive image.

through his photography project, hacmon hopes to deepen the audience’s connection to water — the source of life — both spiritually and physically, and believes that the visual information present in his series is capable of advancing our understanding of the environment. ‘faces of water’ is currently on USA projects, seeking funding to exhibit the images throughout schools and organizations to use as an educational tool about the nurturing and necessary properties of water.

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