William Josephs Radford, a British-Spanish contemporary photographer with a unique visual style and an immersive approach to the exploration of human emotions, is sharing the tragic experience of losing a father in his latest project titled “White Knight.” In this personal series of photographs, Radford explores new visual techniques, welcoming the audience to embrace the deep shades of meaning and the everlasting tension between presence and absence – part and parcel of the transient human existence.
Peculiarities of the “White Knight” Project
“White Knight” was created using new, experimental techniques for William Josephs Radford. According to the artist, he wanted to create a visual narrative of his journey through mourning and transform his grief into beautiful art. To achieve this goal, Radford used ghosting, lens masking, and light painting techniques, all serving the purpose of translating human transfer into absence onto visual messages.
Some photographs were taken using a Vaseline-smeared lens, which Radford applied to create an effect of viewing the world through the eyes filled with tears. These works symbolize his father’s cognitive decline and the tragedy of losing a connection with the world and the self.
Many works in the “White Knight” series were created in red and blue tones, the interplay of which serves as a visual representation of the endless cycle of life and death in the world. The artist applied these color choices to contemplate the eternal pursuit of balance between serenity and anger, love and loss. Objects in the photographs represent the encapsulation of memories that a mourning person can revisit to relive the warm moments of the past.
About William Josephs Radford
William Josephs Radford is a contemporary photographer with a creative approach to visualizing his contemplations of identity and belonging. The artist is known for his non-conventional methods of making art, including his signature technique of light painting. Radford often chooses controversial and thought-provoking themes and messages for his art series. He prioritizes the process along with the outcome and follows the creative credo of a photography purist, denying all forms of photo editing and retouching.
For more information about William Josephs Radford and his art, please visit the artist’s website.