Nature Science

THE BEAUTY OF LIGHT’S MEMORIES NOW

by Vitor Schietti. Impermanent Sculptures.

VITOR SCHIETTI

Long exposures are a way of capturing the memory of an object’s motion. They create a visible continuum of what used to be. As we watch autumn leaves change and die now, and we think about the loss of trees due to climate change and logging, we consider our memories of trees.

The impressions that form the visual component of memories are often distorted. Some are faded. Some are exaggerated in color, size or shape. Some change over time, reminding us that our memories aren’t permanent.

Brazilian photographer Vitor Schietti, captures the essence of memories beautifully in “Impermanent Sculptures,” a series of light-painting photos.

Using fireworks to trace and illuminate his subjects, Schietti takes long exposures, which yield dramatic trails of light along the contours, marking where the sparks used to be, as they continuously move.

These are, in essence, portraits of light’s memories.

Schietti shoots his subjects during the narrow band of twilight, to balance the bright light of the fireworks and the fading glow of the sky in the background. He must move fast, with only 40 minutes, or so, before night falls.

Combining 12 or more exposures, to make a composite image, Schietti creates stunning results. Light appears as showering drips, looping glints, shining webs, and flailing spirits.

One of our favorite images, Tree of Life, shows a ‘Cagaita’ tree, standing alone against the horizon. It’s a significant choice for Schietti. It blossoms only during a brief few weeks each year, with its beautiful white blossoms remaining only as memories for most of its life.

See more of Schietti’s extraordinary work here.

Read more about Beautiful Memories, as it relates to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact including 10 New Books Explore the Beauty of Memories Now.

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