Luray is a stunning testament to the beauty and power of natural landscapes. Captured in the Luray Caverns in Virginia, the moving image depicts the unique natural symmetry created by the stalactites and stalagmites growing towards the cavern's center. Baclawski's use of a scrolling mechanism divides the image into four sections, allowing viewers to experience the incredible landscape in a dynamic and immersive way. According to Baclawski, the reflection and the unique, imperfect symmetry of the rock formations that occur as the image rotates struck him the most. The mirroring of an image has been a recurring theme in his work for the past 15 years.
The colorways used in the scrolling image create a sense of heating, cooling, and lushness across the moving images, further emphasizing the natural beauty of the location. Baclawski's work highlights the importance of preserving the environment and the need to capture the awe-inspiring landscapes that surround us.
As an artist, Baclawski is interested in exploring themes of perception, memory, and the relationship between technology and nature. His work often uses light as a medium to create transformative environments that challenge the viewer's understanding of their surroundings. Baclawski's innovative approach to image-making has garnered him numerous awards and grants, including a Massachusetts Cultural Council Fellowship and exhibition residencies at Wassaic Project, and in Venice, Italy.
With this piece, Baclawski continues to push the boundaries of traditional image-making and offers a unique perspective on the beauty and complexity of the natural world. His work serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our environment and the need to appreciate the awe-inspiring landscapes that surround us. Luray combines the virtual and the tangible to explore how technology can provide a personal experience with nature. Awe inspiring landscape has been captured and manipulated by advanced technology, challenging the way modern-day viewers interact with the world around them.