Luke Parker approaches the medium of photography in a conceptual way, often slowing down the process of making and viewing a photographic work in order to imbue his images with spatial and temporal experiences that more closely align with everyday human existence. For his series Approximately infinite universe, Parker adopted an analogue process that involved the use of an antique 1920s medium-format camera. He used this apparatus to document dioramas he had made in his studio out of basic materials to convey stars, planets and galaxies. Referencing historical astronomical photography as well as early cinema and special effects, Parker’s photographs almost trick us into thinking we are looking at celestial views. Clues of their construction such as light bulbs, electrical cords and fishing lines spoil this illusion, however, bringing us back down to earth. Moving between abstraction and figuration while blurring distinctions between micro and macro views, Parker plays with perception in this series, exploring our relationship to photographic images.

Approximately infinite universe was commissioned by the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and first exhibited on the site of Melbourne Observatory as part of PHOTO 2021.