Triggered: Grant Gill

Firelore, 2013, © Grant Gill

By Grant Gill

Untitled (Firelore) was photographed back in 2013 as part of a body of work entitled The Recondite. The work employed my developing language surrounding magic, and at the time this specific photograph became foundational to the images I desired to create. I wanted my work to always feel like it was just slightly off, or perhaps just quiet enough that it became activated only through persistent engagement.

I was without a studio at the time and found comfort in forcing myself to interact with objects that surrounded my bedroom. The glass box had always spoke to me as this delicate procession on my nightstand—designed to shelter, but not conceal, its contents. The small fire that it holds is very reminiscent of possibility. We know that this is an impossible event, a flame trapped within a vessel, though at the same time here we are witnessing such an event. This photograph is really about being blinded by this subtle detail and rationalizing its existence.  

See more of Grant’s work on his website