Oxidation and reduction are the essential pushers and movers behind all living matter. Through this thermodynamic framework, we conjure understanding of the ways in which inanimate matter reacts with energy and its surroundings. On an molecular level, the simple transfer of electrons between species is a generative process which is responsible for processes which range from the microbiological to the galactic in scale. Oxidation ages our cells and transfers nutrition in our body – our breath alone brings it on. Oxidation sustains fires, allows for explosions. At the risk of anthropomorphizing, oxidation seeks through shifting around energy to reduce all matter to a state of lower energy. Oxidation brings the energy of our world to a more stable, lower state. Without any other agency, all matter may eventually fall victim to oxidation down to it’s basest forms.
In the Christian myth, Christ is often referred to as the Light. The Light, as the subject of the sacred images on the stained glass panes through which the cyanotype was exposed, and as the source of ultraviolet radiation responsible for the creation of the image, fades with time. Framed in an ornate, Ecclesiastical frame with carpet inlay and gold leaf trim, the cyanotype is vulnerable to the light, and will undergo reduction to pure white over time. The anonymous disciple in the image is folded over in grief. There is a hopeful parallel here in oxidation. If all things are to be leveled across the universe with time and oxidation, eventually a day will come when the valleys of grief and memory are leveled to absolute sea level. The last knot of energy comes undone, and all matter inanimate and alive will rest in permanent sleep.