Have you ever wondered why light shone on a drinking glass produces not only a shadow but also a curved region of bright light on the very same surface as that shadow? This is just the start of what caustics can actually do.

Harry Sanderson is a new media artist whose practice ranges from sound performances to interactive software sculptures. His work investigates ways of displaying images which goes beyond digital projections and monitors, delving into the emergent field of ‘caustic imaging technology’ that uses algorithms and cloud computing to produce a digital image from refracted light.

During his residency at Blitz, Sanderson will further investigate and reflect on his work to date, by looking at how algorithms are used in the caustics project and how that relates to historical and cultural constructs around the role of representation.

“Out of an interest in the raw energy and labour consumed in the production of digital images, I wanted to pursue ways of displaying them that foregrounded their materiality instead of continuing to rely on digital projections and monitors. In order to do this I began working on an emergent field called caustic imaging technology, which uses algorithms and cloud computing to determine the contours necessary to produce a digital image from refracted light.

“The process of producing these works has been technically and intellectually intensive, and the Blitz residency would provide an excellent opportunity to consolidate and reflect upon my work and think about ways of moving forward… My idea for the residency right now is that I would use it to produce an essay on perspective and algorithms as they are used in the caustics project, but also on how they relate to historical and cultural constructs around the role of representation.”

Through this research process, Sanderson is bringing together text, images and performance, which are documented and presented to the public in a final exhibition.

Sanderson will be in residence at Blitz in St Lucia Street, Valletta, until July 15.

During this time he is also engaging with local practitioners, professionals and audiences though a series of public programmes and events.

• Sanderson will be giving a talk at Blitz in St Lucia Street, Valletta, on Saturday at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm and entrance is free.

blitzresidency.com