Night Vision (2014-2016) Visualizing the landscape of the Hindu Kush using ink-jet printed night vision photos from US soldiers deployed in Afghanistan

Mapping Night Vision, installation view

Mapping Night Vision #2/ 90” x 95” x 10”, aluminum tacks, inkjet prints on glossy paper, foam, wood, 2016

Mapping Night Vision #1, Detail

Mapping Night Vision #1/ 75” x 48” x 24”, aluminum tacks, inkjet prints on glossy paper, foam, wood, 2016

Mapping Night Vision #1, Detail

Untitled (Arab News), collage, 5 x 8 x 1 inches (framed)

Untitled (Arab News), collage, 5 x 8 x 1 inches

Night Vision (K-9 to K-12) 115” x 95” x 12” (292.1 x 241.3 x 30cm), digital silkscreen on dibond, 2016

Night Vision (K-9 to K-12), detail

Night Vision (K-9 to K-12) 115” x 95” x 12” (292.1 x 241.3 x 30cm), digital silkscreen on dibond, 2016

Night Vision (K-9 peak) 62’ x 50’ x 12”, digital silkscreen on dibond, 2016

Night Vision (KZ16-KZ62), 16.25” x 22.75”, collaged inkjet prints on glossy paper

Night Vision (398-400), 15.62” x 21”, collaged inkjet prints on glossy paper

Night Vision (KZ16-KZ62), 16.25” x 22.75”, collaged inkjet prints, 2016

Night Vision (50), 23.5” x 29”, collaged inkjet prints on glossy paper, 2016

My dad was a helicopter pilot in the Army National Guard and talked about the precariousness of flying with night vision goggles--during what is called Nap of the Earth flying (NOE), a military tactic that involves flying as close to the tree line as possible, which is difficult and risky. During these flights he was awe-struck by the overwhelming number of stars that were made visible with night vision amplification. These pieces are made from ink-jet printed night vision photos from soldier's blogs in Afghanistan and Iraq. I can see in these night vision photographs taken by Americans on the field of battle something of what my father saw in the landscape during his military maneuvers; visuals both coldly strategic and strangely sublime.