This project aims to provide the viewer with a visual and spatial connection to history by visually folding time over on itself. I’m fascinated by the space that we share with those who came before us. What did they see? How did they experience the world? Is there any value to us trying to see through their eyes? If so, what is it? In what ways did they alter or choose not to alter their environment? How much of their impact is still in evidence today? What lessons can we learn from their choices?
The seed for this idea was planted when I was a child and watched the 1960 film adaptation of H.G. Wells “The Time Machine”. In most time travel stories, the change in time takes place suddenly, like flipping a light switch. However, in “The Time Machine”, Wells’ machine sits stationary while the world changes around it, slowly at first, then extremely rapidly. The traveler’s viewpoint remains the same as the environment around him changes with time – with only the most immutable features providing a frame of reference.
I use those immutable features to align past with present and then use Photoshop to selectively transition between the two in the most aesthetically pleasing manner I can.
All historic photos from the Duke University Archives.
Click each image below to see the detail of the full-screen image.
