BEYOND LIGHT, reflecting on the 100 year anniversary of the discovery of X rays.

The actual discovery of X rays was made on November 8, 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, professor of physics at the University of Würzburg in Germany.

During the end of the last century several physicists all over the world were studying the physical phenomena of electric discharges in vacuum tubes. Professor Roentgen was one of these physicists. He was normally doing his experiments in a darkened room to better observe any phenomena related to light.

On November 8, 1895 Roentgen was studying the beam of cathode rays emitted in a Hittorf-Crookes tube, when he observed fluorescence of barium platinocyanide screen positioned on a nearby bench in his dark workroom. However no visible light responsible for causing the fluorescence was being emitted from the Hittorf- Crookes tube. He then found that objects interposed between the tube and the screen caused shadow images on the screen.

The covering of the Hittorf-Crookes tube with black paper precluded any possibility of the image effect on the screen being due to ordinary or ultraviolet Light. So Roentgen argued there must be some strange radiation emanating from the Crooks-Hitter tube. Reasoning that if this strange "light" caused the screen to fluoresce, then what about an effect on photoplates? He then placed a photoplate in the place of the screen, recorded an X ray image on the plate and RADIOGRAPHY was born. Since then X rays have had a tremendous effect and influence on our society. Especially in the domain of medicine, physics and industry. Immediately after the discovery of x rays on November 8, 1895 and until today, X rays have been used in medicine for the benefit of mankind. Also in the domain of Physics and industry, X rays have helped for a better understanding of materials, determination of structural defects etc.

Lesser known but not less important, X rays can also be used to make radiographs of the things that surround us. Contrary to the human eye all photographic material is sensitive to X rays. Making it possible to visualize radiographic images directly on photographic material. Like normal light, X rays are electromagnetic waves and have similar physical properties. The spectrum of x rays however is much broader then the light spectrum and the frequency is about 10,000 times higher. Unlike light, X rays cannot be focused. Therefore Radiographs are "Shadow Images". Due to its high frequency, X rays traverse practically all material and make everything around us "translucent". By using X rays instead of light an unusual and new beauty can be revealed in nature. Especially the radiographs of flowers and of shells do reveal a poetic charm not seen otherwise.

For those that are interested. in the technology of the images of this exhibition:
These images are made with a small industrial size X ray generator. Focal spot size 0.5mm and stationary anode. Monophase, self rectifying, output 20 ma, 5kv-llOkv. Different types of high gamma film were used on 8 by 10 sheets. No use of intensifying screens. Focal Film distance varying from 13 inch to 25 inch. This set up pretty much reproduces the way that Roentgen made the worlds first Radiographs 100 years ago.

Albert C. Koetsier

Artist's Statement

For me, artistic expression is very important in life. Art brings to the surface hidden emotions and values; Art gives us a precious justification for our own existence.

By using the unusual medium of invisible rays, my images explore explore and visualize what normally cannot be perceived. In my X-Rayographs another world is shown which is different, Mysterious and beautiful. It shows us that life is both graceful and ephemeral.

Albert C. Koetsier 1999: Beyond Light The Art of X-Rayography