Corrosion

megan crist

CORROSION

megan crist

CORROSION

All content Š 2012 Megan Crist. New York, NY.

Corrosion is generally perceived to be the oxidation of metals over time, most commonly seen in the form of rust. It costs tens of billions of dollars to correct annually, mostly related to safety hazards in structural forms such as architecture and infrastructure. International organizations exist whose sole interests lie in developing ways to combat corrosion.

This chemical activity occurs over time and creates some of the most unique organic textures and colors that I see everyday in the city. Being a photographer, I began a collection of images related to peeling paint and gradual stripping of finished metal surfaces as I explored the streets and tunnels of the urban arena over the span of several years. I have become fascinated with the physical concept of decay as well as the psychology of our aversion to it. Ideally, our world is clean and polished. An imperfect coating is eliminated and replaced as soon as possible or else it is essentially abandoned in favor of something new. As a culture, we seem to shun any visual reference to the passing of time. We are enthusiastic about preserving historical treasures but cannot stand a laugh line on someone’s face. Removal of the natural processes of time is denying memories of formation and therefore development of character.

This set of mixed media images (ink on paper and photographic techniques) emerged as I was searching for a way to emulate and express these concepts through compelling imagery in order to present what is ordinarily identified as ill-maintained as an asset.

Reversed and taken out of context, the Corrosion series gives us an alternative vision of chemical reactions and the beauty of decay.