Monochromatic Symptoms is a collaborative series that brings together Humberg’s photography and Joshua Bird’s poetry to examine themes such as space research and colonization.
The photographs were made by “misusing” old analogue photographic papers; normal black and white process was skipped, and rather papers were heavily overexposed and chemically treated. An old typewriter was used to add text. Instead of developing, the papers were scanned for further editing. Following a method vaguely reminiscent of scientific imaging practices, Humberg pushes both the photo papers and scans to dig up otherworldly tones, sometimes reprocessing same negatives or image data to emphasize varying details. For example, a landscape from one negative doesn’t only change colour but also transforms to a satellite image.
Eventually the series drifts further away from realism, mixing elements from space research with delusions, memories, and dreams. As if typed out of an intrinsic necessity, texts appear on the photographs taking up more and more space. Entwining cryptic scientific notes with personal observations, the texts become evidence of a human mind collapsing and dissociating itself from the vacuum of endless space.
The series comprises a little over 30 works, some of which are displayed as installations. A short video work is also included.
The work has been supported by the Finnish Arts Promotion Center, Alfred Kordelin Foundation, and Kone Foundation.

Dust Storm / 2021

Chaos / 2021

Eroded Color Space / 2023

Untitled (Dust) / 2022

Inanis Planitia / 2021

Indicate / 2022

Obfuscation / 2022

Lustre, Afterglow / 2022

Once, Opaque / 2022

Velvet Rupture / 2021

Myodesopsia / 2022

False Color Vista / 2023 / installation view from HAA Gallery, 2024

False Color Vista / 2023

Blue Sunset / 2021

Perspective: Synthesis / 2021

Prodrome / 2022

Ostium / 2023 / installation view from HAA Gallery, 2024

Untitled (Particle) / 2021

Negative Feedback / 2022

Miscalculation / 2022

SN 2214cl / 2022

Installation view from HAA Gallery, 2024

Ramazzottius beresheetii / 2021

Installation view from HAA Gallery, 2024

Anomaly Phobos / 2022

Installation view from HAA Gallery, 2024
