Artist’s Statement:
“Parasites” is an ongoing body of work that investigates a personal neurosis and fear of parasitic animals through images that are taken with a scanning electron microscope and exposed onto dry plate gelatin ferrotype plates. Embedded in the series is an engaging dialog with photographic history, its shifting modes of representation, and its material possibilities. “Parasites” explores the evolving role of photographic technology in relation to seeing that which is unseen and invisible to the eye.
Artist’s Bio:
Marcus DeSieno is a photographer from Albany, New York whose work is concerned with the history of science and exploration in relation to the history of photography. He received his Bachelor’s in Photography from Marlboro College in Southern Vermont and his MFA in Studio Art from the University of South Florida. DeSieno often assumes the role of the amateur scientist in order to investigate photography’s historic relationship with science in regards to the notion of the invisible. Antiquated and obsolescent photographic processes are combined with contemporary imaging technologies to engage in a critical dialog on the evolution of photographic technology in relation to seeing. These obsolescent materials are subverted from their original function in order to re-examine photographic representation, the role of object-hood within photography, and ultimately interrogate the ontological nature of the medium itself. DeSieno’s work has been exhibited Nationally at The Center for Fine Art Photography, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Rayko Photo Center, The Center for Photography at Woodstock, and various other galleries. DeSieno was named a finalist for Photolucida’s Critical Mass competition in 2014 and his work has been featured in various publications including: Hyperallergic, Lomography Magazine, National Geographic’s Proof, PDN, Slate, Smithsonian Magazine, and Wired.