Degradation is a word that can be used in many a different context. I feel it’s one way to see the world, as a constant death or of dying. When something degrades it signifies time, and with it a space for which it sits in.
In contemporary photography, the technology not only in the mechanics of the camera, but the technological advances in ink pigments and printing processes, strive to make an image last longer, slowing down the process of degrading somewhat.
However, what we seem to be missing in all of this is that degradation allows a sense of reflection and self-realisation. Through seeing what once was, we are able to see what is, and project to what shall be.
In my latest works, I use as many processes as possible to degrade an image, obliterating detail and revealing ambiguity.
To see more of my work, please visit www.flickr.com/jamesfickling.
