The body as an object of medical research - The work of Nick Veasey

As I was having difficulty finding any information on this theme using library journals, I widened my search to include online photography journals. This enabled me to set search criteria and narrow my results.

The British Journal of Photography's January 2011 issue featured the work of Nick Veasey. His seemingly simple images of x-rayed objects exposed onto photographic film have an interesting aesthetic - these types of images are most commonly seen in a medical environment, however Veasey presents them as large scale prints, often stitching multiple frames together to create one piece. These giant detailed, somewhat graphical images become quite striking with the clean, crisp white x-ray lines against the heavy black backgrounds.




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The process used by Veasey to create his images prevent him from using any living,human models (due to the high levels of radiactivity in the x-ray machines) therefore Veasey uses deceased bodies in the precious eight hours prior to rigor mortis. The skeletons captured in the images appear to be completing human actions - reading the paper, greeting friends, cycling etc. All these actions require movement and I like how Veasey creates an environment where these lifeless figures appear to be still living and breathing.

Although Veasey doesnt use the physical body an object of medical research, his images use medical equiptment to change the way we view the body. His work also explores themes surrounding surveillance and privacy issues in the technological age we are surrounded by. Veaseys ingenious process, coupled with the sheer detail and clarity his images create makes his work current, relevant, engaging and incredibly creative.