Paolo Pettigiani’s remarkable photographic series, “Dubai Infrascapes” (previously featured), ingeniously utilizes infrared digital photography to transform the urban landscape of Dubai into a vibrant, dream-like vista. By embracing this unique technique, Pettigiani captures a world that is often unseen, revealing the reflective beauty of chlorophyll-rich elements amidst the stark urban skyline. This series challenges conventional perceptions of a metropolis known for its modernity and architectural grandeur, by overlaying it with hues of pinks and reds that soften the otherwise metallic and glassy environments. Through his lens, the natural components of the city come alive, glowing with an ethereal brightness that contrasts yet complements the built structures.
In reframing our visual expectations of Dubai, Pettigiani not only captures a city of contrasts but also highlights the juxtaposition of nature and urban development. His work speaks volumes about the symbiotic relationships within these environments, where nature’s whispering vibrant reflections offer an imaginative reprieve against the harsh geometric lines of the city’s iconic buildings. Such imagery prompts us to ponder our own interactions with the natural world within urban settings, and how, through the lens of creative visionaries, we can gain a much deeper appreciation of the subtle beauty that exists between the natural and man-made worlds.
InfraScapes is a graphic and visual exploration of nature. For this project I used Infrared (IR) digital photography. This technique enables the full sensitivity of the camera’s sensor, making it sensitive to UV, visible, and IR light. Elements with chlorophyll, such as grass, leaves and trees, strongly reflect IR light on the invisible wavelength.
Paolo Pettigiani