Lorentz Transformation, 2007, Chromogenic print, 17×22 in.

Patrick Nagatani died on October 27, 2017 after a long struggle with colon cancer. He was 72. Obituaries can be read in the New York Times and the Albuquerque Journal.

The Artist Printmaker/Photographer Research Collection holds two important portfolios by Nagatani, Nuclear Enchantment (1989-90) and Chromotherapy (2004-07). The former explores the role of atomic research and testing in the Land of Enchantment (New Mexico) and the latter investigates the role of light and color as a source of healing. Nagatani carefully constructed each image that he photographed–fabricating scenes, painting backdrops, and installing props to create visual fictions whose narratives walk on an edge between irrational and rational.

Nagatani was born just a few days after the bombing of Hiroshima. Both his parents had been interred in different Japanese Relocation Camps during World War II (one in Arkansas and one in California).

Chromatic Chimera – Patrick at Pan Pacific Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, 1978/2004

Marcus – Instant Cultural Vision – Chromatic Optometry Los Angeles, California, 1978/2004, Chromogenic print, 17X22 in.

Oral Fixation – Scott and Kate – Culver City, California, 1978/2004, Chromogenic print, 17X22 in.

Tap Water, Distilled H2O, Vodka – Absorbing Chroma Rays, 2004, Chromogenic print, 17X22 in.

Esoteric Science – Sandia National Laboratory, New Mexico, 2004, Chromogenic print, 17X22

Trinity Site, Jornada Del Muerto, New Mexico, 1989, 1993, Chromogenic print, 17 X 22 in.

Trinitite, Ground Zero, Trinity Site, New Mexico, 1988-89, 1993, Chromogenic print, 17X22 in.

Demystifying Dentistry, 1979/2007, Chromogenic print, 17X22 in.

Orchid Gestatio, 2004, Chromogenic print, 17X22 in.

Bald Eagle – National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, 2004/2005, Chromogenic print, 17X22

Ryoichi and Sid – Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2005, Chromogenic print, 17X22

Japanese Children’s Day Carp Banners, Paguate Village, Jackpile Mine UraniumTailings, Laguna Pueblo Reservation, New Mexico, 1990, 1993, Chromogenic print, 17X22 in.

Contaminated Radioactive Sediment, Mortandad Canyon, Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, 1990, 1993, Chromogenic print, 17 X 22 in.

National Atomic Museum, Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1989, Chromogenic print, 17 X 22 in.

Koshare/Tewa Ritual Clowns, Missile Park, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, 1989, 1993, Chromogenic print, 17 X 22 in.

Rocket Lounge, Alamogordo, New Mexico, 1989, 1993, Chromogenic print, 17 X 22 in.

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Nuclear Crossroads, U.S. 285, 60, 54, Vaughn, New Mexico, 1989, Chromogenic print, 17 X 22 in.

‘Generation to Generation’, Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) Nuclear Powered Vehicles, West Mesa, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1991, 1993, Chromogenic print, 17 X 22 in.