Experimental Visual Observations: Photographing Hallucinations

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Open the doors of visual perception in this experimental dark room photography class. After being lead through several observation exercises, we will construct a camera obscura and make photograms documenting the visual phenomena that we encounter.

We will focus on phosphenes, a term for the spots of light and colors that we sometimes see when we close our eyes. We will also discuss other visual hallucination experiments that you can practice including ganzfeld hallucinations, visual deprivation, dreams, and contact phosphenes. Using alternative photography techniques, we will witness and record these experiments.

Image: photographic phosphene experiments by Kate Ovaska

Price: $185 [includes $25 materials fee]

Audience: Open to all regardless of photography experience.

Materials: All materials are included with registration.

Kate Ovaska received her MFA from Columbia University and her BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She was awarded the CAA Professional Development Grant and the Fulbright Fellowship to Germany and is currently the darkroom manager at Pioneer Works. She lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.