Rachel Sussman

(born 1975-)

New York-based photographer Rachel Sussman's recent project has involved years of travel, research and close work with biologists to photograph continuously living organisms 2,000 years and older, 'The Oldest Living Things in the World.' She approaches her subjects as individuals, the photographs as portraits, to create an anthropomorphic connection to Deep Time and make this timetable more comprehensible for those rooted firmly in the contemporary moment. The series is part art and part science, with inherent environmental aspects. The 'Oldest Living Things' are both a celebration of the past and a call for action in the present. They also provide a potential glimpse into our future, as these specimens may continue to survive long after we perish.