Mikael Owunna’s recent exhibition, “Imagine Fresh Darkness,” redefines the notion of darkness, challenging the age-old belief that it is merely the absence of light. Instead, Owunna embraces darkness as a vital medium, crafting a body of work that is both visually arresting and conceptually rich.

In his “Infinite Essence” series, Owunna pushes the boundaries of photography through the innovative use of ultraviolet light—a wavelength invisible to the naked eye. This groundbreaking technique allows him to “draw” with darkness, revealing intricate details and textures that remain hidden in standard lighting.

By painting nude bodies and capturing their fluorescence under ultraviolet light, Owunna presents a spectral vision of humanity that is simultaneously ethereal and deeply rooted in African cosmological narratives.

The images produced are not mere photographs; they are profound visual explorations of the unseen. By subverting the conventional idea of photography as “drawing with light,” Owunna invites viewers to contemplate darkness as a dynamic and creative force. His work serves as a poignant reminder that even in the depths of shadow, beauty and meaning await discovery.