The above image is a postcard and hyperlink for an upcoming exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. The show features radio-graphs taken by Sandra Raredon. For over 20 years she has been working at the Smithsonian taking x-rays of fish specimens for the museum and other researchers. At smithsonianmag.com you can view an absurdly fun interactive display that allows you to alternate between the image of the outside of the fish and the x-ray version.
The phrase "x-rays of fish" doesn't exactly bring to mind visions of high art but that is exactly what these photographs are. The images are gorgeous, quiet and poetic. The forms and tones in the works inspire a contemplation and reverence of the elegant beauty found on all levels of the universe. While thumbing through the images on the website, I was taken back to the photographic styles of Minor White and Edward Weston, a few of the early masters of photography. I can only imagine how breathtaking Raredon's prints must be to witness in person.
