This project explores the aesthetics of the haunted landscape. It seeks to discover the elements that deem a landscape haunted, on a deeper level.

The primary focus of the image content is the landscape, capturing the site and the items found within it. The images are created using the emulsion lift process. A photograph is taken using polaroid film; then the emulsion is extracted from the centre of the film and placed onto another surface. The chosen surface for this collection is Glass. Glass was used to connote the fragility of life, to represent the transparency of the stories associated with the place and to entice questions surrounding the ether; the material that fills the universe.

These small, transparent images aim to prompt existential discussions along with an appreciation of such a mystical site.

The use of Glass represents a combination of psychical and scientific theories such as the “Stone Tape Theory”. The Stone Tape Theory is one of the explanations as to why residual hauntings happen. Silica is present in VHS Tapes to hold recordings. It is also present in Sandstone. A lot of reputedly haunted places, such as St John’s Church contain a high amount of Sandstone in the walls and surrounding area. The theory is that the inclusion of Silica on at the location can trigger apparitions. One could witness fragments of recorded history playing out in front of their very eyes. Glass is made out of Sandstone, and also contains Silica, which is also why Glass is such an essential element of this project.

The images were installed at the location so that those observing the installation can submerge themselves into the experience of the haunted landscape.