Tõnu Tunnel

With his series “Helemust süsivalge” (Bright black / pitch white), Tõnu Tunnel won the Art Print scholarship for young photographers in 2013. According to the artist, the central idea behind the series concerns the visual oversaturation of the photographic medium, a feature that inhibits people’s ability to concentrate. As a survival tactic in this situation, Tunnel has in principle reduced photography to what it essentially is – drawing with light – hoping to reach the viewer through a minimal, or rather immediate, image.

At the same time, though, it seems that what really gives the series its power to captivate is the inclusion of the viewer in a virtual game of hide and seek. The light in the photographs is dynamic, while also being artificially graphic. The photographer is not behind the camera, but seems to be standing in front of us and drawing, while still remaining invisible.

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www.tonutunnel.com

TÕNU TUNNEL. Untitled. 2013. Inkjet print. Showcase floater frame with museum glass. 125×105 cm. Edition: 3/5+2AP