Richard
Gray

Human Factors

Humans have long contemplated the notion that life's real secrets reside within the sub-visible. In the series Human Factors (1999-2008), Gray explored the profound impact the newly announce Human Genome Project would have on the future representation and identity of humans. Gray photographed human cells with a microscope and combined those images with figures posed in a variety of athletic positions. They make reference to the fragile relationship between youth, prowess, and biological mortality. There are references to 19th century framing conventions, early motion studies or physiognomy research, further emphasizing photography's historical connections to human examination.