Handful of Dust

Prussian blue can be used to render images and counteract radiation poisoning. This obituary is composed of sequences of cyanotypes, exposed in the sand using paper sensitized with handmade emulsion and negatives from a 1954 Hollywood film. Rates of cancer in the film’s cast and crew reflect that it was shot downwind during the period of above ground nuclear testing. Handful of Dust, produced in the Utah canyon where the 1954 film was shot, is designed as an antidote to recover the memory of the downwinders. IMAGE AR: 2.35:1 NOTE ON THE SOUND: The integrity of the original –a dirty mono recording made in 1953 at the Nevada Test Site — has been preserved and the noise level is high. No discernable audio until 1’ 45. Highest level at 4’ 45. Play loud but not while wearing headphones!