Hidden wavelength, contemporary scenes in Infrared

Is there more to reality than what meets the eye?

The human eye is limited to perceiving a narrow band of electromagnetic radiation known as the visual spectrum, which ranges from approximately 380 to 700 nanometers. For reference, a wavelength of 550 nm corresponds to the color green; below this range lie the blues, and above it, the yellows, oranges, and reds. Beyond red, however, lies the infrared spectrum—radiation that we cannot see, but can feel as the heat from a hot pan. To be precise, infrared is invisible to the naked eye, yet with a thermal camera, a hidden world is unveiled. For instance, from a distance, you could discern whether someone is enjoying an ice-cold drink or a hot tea—not from visual cues like condensation or steam, but by detecting the specific electromagnetic radiation emitted by the object. If this isn’t a form of modern magic, then what is?

What inspired this project?

This project draws inspiration from two distinct yet interconnected aspects of the creator’s life, merging them into a cohesive expression of self. The technological inspiration stems from the artist’s engineering work in research and development at a leading company in the Eindhoven area. Driven by the desire to push the boundaries of our empirical understanding of light and material interactions, the artist sought to showcase the beauty of technological advancements in a way that resonates with the public through a contemporary visual medium. The subject matter of the depicted scenes is deeply personal, inspired by travels to South America, where the idea of capturing the “heat” of Brazil was born. Armed with a pocket-sized thermal camera, the artist captured the infrared world of this exotic landscape. The unique contrasts of nocturnal scenes, revealing the radiating heat of human activity unseen by the naked eye, provided the perfect content to demonstrate the artistic value that modern technology can bring to life.

What is the intention and target audience?

Marton Mogyorosi’s intention is to challenge the superficiality often seen in contemporary art by reintroducing wonder through the fusion of science and art. In an era of rapid scientific advancement in the Anthropocene, where research in chemistry, biology, and physics redefines life and aesthetics, Mogyorosi sees a need to bridge these disciplines. Eindhoven, particularly during Dutch Design Week, offers the ideal environment for this fusion. The city is a unique melting pot of creative designers and cutting-edge engineers and scientists, working at institutions like the High Tech Campus, ASML, and the legacy of Philips. By creating an aesthetically compelling art piece with technological interplay, Mogyorosi aims to spark a tangible conversation between these communities—one that even the visually impaired can experience. Through the use of unique materials and innovative techniques, this project aspires to be worthy of museum exhibition, challenging the boundaries of what art and technology can achieve together.