NUMEN

“In my work, photography becomes a metaphor for transcending physical reality. A place where matter is rendered translucent and blurred. A place where spans of time are merged into singular moments. When paired with the infinite possibilities of post-production, the photograph itself becomes an idiosyncratic and extended space for the imagination – a ‘supraspace.’ A godlike space where time is irrelevant.”

——Ville Kansanen

‘Numen’ is an installation and land art series by Finnish artist Ville Kansanen. Currently working and living on the West Coast of the United States, Kansanen uses photography as a medium to rediscover the ancient human connection and dedication to nature. He goes into the western deserts of the United States – the terminal landscape of the Anthropocene and the nascent landscape of Abrahamic religion – and captures the horizons of light and earth’s encounter. He creates cosmic installations using wood, boards, strings, ropes, native rocks, soil, and revived materials from previous installations, all connected to the surrounding nature through light sources such as the sun and the moon. This book contains photographic works by the artist signifying his spiritual communication with nature as well as sketches and artist notes showing his process.