Megan Shaughnessy

Traces of Light is a series of short non-linear videos that examine light and shadows in constant race.

In Sigh, the light becomes the subject as it dances, soft and melodic over the frame, creating a sense of a new beginning. The audible breath is released in order to represent both a sense of relief and also weariness over a longing to capture the light. All that remains is a flicker of light that soon withers into darkness.

In Scan, the eye is the focal point, drawing the viewer into the frame while the flickering light scans the subject. Parallel to this the flickering imagery represents both the blinking eye and flashes of memory, a moment in time not quite being pieced together. In the end we are left with the surveying eye, watching and scanning the audience.

In the third video titled Aura, images flash before the viewer repeatedly in both slow methodical and fast repetitive bursts, creating a sense of disorientation and confusion. Bright spots of light appear and float before one’s eyes and soon fade away revealing the images underneath. A sense of uneasiness hovers as the tension increases between the subject and the light.  Ultimately the light takes over leaving us with it’s burning presence.