Scott B. Davis: Sonora

Scott B. Davis explores the boundaries of visibility in the Sonoran Desert through his unique photography process, which combines in-camera palladium paper negatives and traditional film-based platinum/palladium prints. By using exposure to intense UV light, he captures images invisible to the naked eye, creating prints rich in contrast and pushing the boundaries of the visible spectrum and the perceptual limits of human vision. The aim is to evoke an intimate connection with the desert through new perspectives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2022
Publisher: Radius Books

Scott B. Davis, a renowned Californian photographer, has embarked on a captivating artistic journey that pushes the boundaries of landscape photography. His recent work combines the traditional techniques of film-based platinum/palladium prints with in-camera palladium paper negatives, resulting in a series of breathtaking images that explore the interplay between representation and abstraction.

Born in 1971, Davis has a deep connection with the Sonoran Desert, where his artistic vision thrives. His photographs capture the essence of the desert's vastness and its ever-changing light, creating a sense of awe and wonder. By employing exposure to intense UV light, Davis has pioneered a unique process that allows him to capture images that are invisible to the naked eye. These extraordinary prints are characterized by their rich contrast and ability to push the boundaries of the visible spectrum and the perceptual limits of human vision.

Through his work, Davis invites viewers to engage in a deeper exploration of the landscapes that are familiar to them during the day. As they gaze upon his abstract records of place, they are transported to a world where the familiar transforms into something entirely new. The aim of his art is not to represent the desert as we think we know it but to evoke an intimate connection with the desert through fresh perspectives.

One of the key elements of Davis' approach is his use of diptychs, triptychs, and occasional works that include as many as 10 or 12 unique images in a series. These compositions allow him to explore the complexities of light and space, creating a sense of depth and dimension that is truly captivating. The open desert, with its vast expanses and endless skies, serves as a perfect backdrop for Davis' artistic vision. The light and space found in this environment are felt in his uniquely rendered images, which are composed of carefully chosen elements that evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity.

By pushing the boundaries of visibility in the darkness and overwhelming light of the Sonoran Desert, Davis has created a body of work that is both literal and abstract. His photographs capture the essence of the desert's beauty and its power, while also challenging our perception of what is possible in the realm of landscape photography. Through his innovative techniques and bold artistic vision, Scott B. Davis has established himself as a leading figure in the field of landscape photography, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore the possibilities of abstraction and representation in their work.

Weight: 1293g
Dimension: 323 x 284 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781942185840