Pinhole Camera Fashioned From 150 Year-Old Skull
Posted by Ross Rosenberg
Wayne Martin Belger makes pinhole cameras using a variety of materials including precious stones, metals, human organs, and bone. This piece, entitled Third Eye, features many of these materials, all constructed around the 150 year-old skull of a 13 year-old girl. The film is exposed to light through titular ocular cavity making a Polaroid memento mori. The photos taken with this camera (one of which is after the jump) stay with the theme, their blurriness and patina making them look as if they were snatched from the memories of the dead.
Boy of Blue Industries [Artist's Site] : bioephemera
Categories: Art, Artists, Photographs, Photography, Rail, Skull
Posted at 12:45 pm on September 22, 2008
49 Comments -
Quality craftsmanship and dead people… very nice.
Comment by Dr Squid — September 22, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
fascinating.
At least until the camera starts screaming.
Comment by ITHIDET — September 22, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
That is fantastic – just beautiful. Now I have a new excuse to avoid photos – They may only be taken w/ skull cameras. Perfekt.
Comment by Jezcabelle — September 22, 2008 @ 6:32 pm
START USING IT TO PHOTOGRAPH INDIAN BURIAL GROUNDS
DO IT
Comment by Kingfisher — September 23, 2008 @ 1:24 am
But can you take 3D photos using cameras in both eyes?
Comment by Evil Jim — September 23, 2008 @ 4:20 am
The sample photo is lovely indeed. But the things attached to the skull would probably look better if they had more of an aged effect.
Ross says that this wonderful man creates cameras with various materials INCLUDING human organs. I wonder how he does it? Doesn’t it go “squish” and splatter the user and/or the subject with vital fluids?
Comment by eva — September 23, 2008 @ 7:04 am
I want one! I’m an alternative photographer. Superb
Comment by Barbie Lindsay — September 23, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
That is creepy as hell. Taking pictures with the skull of a 13 year-old girl… not for me.
Comment by Cody A. — September 23, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
What a great idea!!! In the future we will be able to put chips in our brains and capture images on these chips through digitocular programs. Soon, the human brain will be wired to be compatible with today’s technology, which will be obsolete tomorrow.
Comment by andy v. — September 23, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
weird, but the result is awesome
Comment by cscs — September 23, 2008 @ 4:31 pm
This is a really cool looking camera but I am not quite sure it is such a good idea. The reason being is that skulls can harbor diseases. I hope the skull was thoroughly sanitized before it was messed with.
Comment by Fred — September 24, 2008 @ 2:08 am
Nice. Love pinhole photography and lomography. Cool stuff.
Comment by Jack — September 24, 2008 @ 5:25 am
Nice photo, but I’m not too sure about the karmic implications of trying to score the cool points off a dead kid’s head.
Comment by seamonkeyman — September 24, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
I have just Stumbled Upon this. The question I have to ask is this. Are you some kind of cunt ? I reflect the comment of seamonkeyman – and add – yes, you ARE some kind of cunt.
Comment by Trevor — September 24, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
Sad. Very sad. This is not art or technology; it’s pathetic. This was someone’s child! I hope that someone uses YOUR skull as a toilet when you die… but then again you’re already a sh*thead for doing something like this.
Comment by Tom Ryan — September 24, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
Trevor: He’s not a cunt; cunts are useful. This guy is a waste of flesh.
Comment by Tom Ryan — September 24, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
it is a grim thing, but very interesting to be sure. I wouldnt worry too much about karmic implications though. Its just a hunk of bone after all. I would worry though about people taking exception to your concerns. Getting upset at another’s opinion is pretty weak all around.
Comment by Trav — September 24, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
@ Tom Ryan & Trevor- sorry you guys are so full of hate. that’s a horrible way to live.
Comment by Monkey — September 24, 2008 @ 5:55 pm
Hey, desecration is cool!
Wait, no it isn’t.
Comment by Sad — September 24, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
I am interested in mass producing these: do you have a large supply of dead 13 year old girls? Or should I provide my own?
Comment by Wong Li Long — September 24, 2008 @ 8:12 pm
Photoshop
Comment by Buster Hymen — September 24, 2008 @ 8:16 pm
Is it legal do use dead people’s skulls just like that?
Comment by JuanS — September 24, 2008 @ 8:27 pm
ah – the downside of even a little internet famous: idiots who StumbleUpon you and *GASP* decide to comment on HOW OFFENDED they are. ever think maybe you just don’t get it, wayward internet comment guy? or that we’d be offended by your being offended? no? well, i didn’t think so, but a boy can dream.
GTFO my /b/… uh, i mean… /Ectomo/.
ripping find, Ross.
Comment by zanbowser — September 25, 2008 @ 5:46 am
hi, can i have your dead thirteen-year old daughter’s head? i’m going to make it into a.. ah.. a camera. what? no, i’m not a weirdo, it’s uh, an art thing.
Comment by SaveOurSkyline — September 25, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
Covetting, covetting, covetting…
Comment by hobbo — September 27, 2008 @ 3:52 pm
“ever think maybe you just don’t get it”
Oh shit yeah, I see now – it’s ART! Duh! You know for a minute I thought it was the pathetic makings of some heartless, sneering wank-stain who’s desperate to be cool and outré despite being dead inside. Silly me.
Comment by Bob Feltchit — September 27, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
I Stumbled upon this as well, but I’m not a cock unlike some stumblers (just thumbs down and review, don’t try and offend everyone). In My Opinion its brilliantly morbid and twisted, and its aesthetic is added to brilliantly by the desolate picture tht has been taken with it. I can almost picture it being used as a prop in a Hellboy style film – maybe as an item which does more than simply takes photos, but somehow the spirit of the desceased affects the image.
If, after 150 years, someone wishes to turn my skull into somthing as awesome as that, they can go right ahead – so long as its put to good use.
Comment by Wil — September 28, 2008 @ 4:40 am
I actually really enjoy this. I stumbled upon it as well. But this comes from the girl who wanted taxidermied mice atop her wedding cake.
I don’t even see this as taboo. I agree that the findings used to create embellishment should be more aged. It would give a great effect to the piece. Hopeing to see more!
Comment by Kim — September 28, 2008 @ 8:41 am
Well, Wil the Stumbler you’ve failed, I’m afraid. You’ve managed to offend me with your witless prattle about ‘Hellboy’. How about putting your skull to good use sometime before that 150 year deadline?
Comment by Dave — September 28, 2008 @ 11:44 am
wow! i was suprised to see so many people were offended! i think its beautiful… i like the harmonious dichotomy between the aged bone & shiny new metal… i mean yes it was used for 13 years by a little girl but she is clearly not using it now… & the artist is giving it a “2nd sight” as i see it… i really like it!
Comment by sundizzle — September 28, 2008 @ 5:49 pm
My question is, would those who find this offensive, disgusting, morbid, horrible, etc., have had the same reaction if they were told it was the skull of a 93 year-old man? I think the focus on “13 year old girl” is what is causing so many commentors to turn a blind eye to what is really quite a thought provoking and, dare I say it, beautiful peace. (Besides, how do you think mummies feel, being gawked at all day by tourists? The sanctity of human remains is very much like Bible literalism–apply it where appropriate to your cause, otherwise ignore it.)
Comment by Swami Froodric — September 30, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
I imagine Ed Gein’s ‘art’ might have been considered thought provoking or beautiful, out of context, but that has no bearing on whether it is acceptable. The difference with the mummies is that it was their choice, stemming from their belief system.
I’m atheist to the core but I find this crass and mercenary, regardless of the gender and age of the person when they died.
Comment by Barry Fudgelips — October 1, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
This is one of the coolest thing I have ever seen in my entire life.
I would like to meet the guy who made this thing and work with him on his next project.
@retards:
When you’re dead, you’re dead. You don’t go anywhere and your body is a pile of decaying flesh, there is no dignity in dying or death, whether it’s a motorcycle crash or someone raping you to death, your last few seconds count as much as any few seconds throughout your life; and once you’re dead it doesn’t matter what happens because you are inanimate, unaware and undeserving of respect.
GET OVER IT.
And stop being so annoying about it.
Seriously.
Comment by Zak Frost — October 1, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
There is more to the story than what you see here.
http://www.doubleexposure.com/printer_Belger.shtml
The artist may use controversial objects but there is much beauty and passion behind his art.
Comment by Nicci — October 1, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
Yes, folks, I’m sure this dead girls DEAD FAMILY cares deeply. I doubt there’s anyone around to claim the remains at this point.
I think this is macabre, but cool as hell.
Comment by Isa — October 1, 2008 @ 8:42 pm
“…He used the 150 year old skull of a 13 year old girl that was part of a doctor’s anatomical kit. It was found, abandoned and forgotten, in an attic. In creating an altar to this lost child, Belger feels he is honoring her and her memory…”
This is from a profile on Wayne Martin Belger, doesn’t seem to be exploitative in the least bit. In poor taste? Possibly but who really gives a shit?
Comment by Not Trevor or Tom or Bob — October 3, 2008 @ 1:19 am
welcome to the world of capitalism. people will do anything for hits. idiots dont realize that people just dont care about your crappy blog.
if you havent yet realized, ill point it out for you now.
its fake.
Comment by Ken — October 3, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
That is one creepy camera.
Comment by Ryan G — October 7, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
Come on people!
Everyone’s getting so worked up about a long-gone person’s skull.
150 YEARS! I’m sure it wouldn’t mind it.
Desecretaion, karma, you say?
Well tell that to the thousands of medical students and practitioners who have ‘toyed’ with not only just a skull, but probably whole corpses as well.
Comment by nephilim — October 8, 2008 @ 9:14 am
Those complaining?
get over yourselves.
the girl is dead and so is your argument.
great camera and fascinating idea.
Comment by Firefly — October 10, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
I think this is really cool and shit. People should be able to do whatever they like if its for art cos its like cool. And anyway she died a long time ago so that makes it OK. I wish I had someones skull with shit stuck to it, well maybe until I grow up and then realise what a sad twat I am.
Comment by ZakFlashnips — October 10, 2008 @ 1:04 pm
9/10
Successful trolls are successful
All of you.
On both sides.
Comment by Elusive — October 10, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
I’m sitting on the fence here, aware no one will read my comment and that I’ll never return to see their reply even if they do. The idea behind this camera is absolutely fascinating, but I have to think that using a person’s skull in this way without any possible form of consent is rather crude.
Brilliant art, disagreeable execution.
Comment by Corgi — October 14, 2008 @ 1:16 am
@Tom Ryan
Toilets and Cameras are two VERY different inventions. I hope, for your sake, that you do not equate them.
That aside: this is incredibly awesome. It is not a form of desecration; it is a form of conservation. I wish more people would find productive uses for stuff like this.
Besides, once someone is dead it doesn’t really matter what happens to the body. Our society has /decided/ that it matters, but it really doesn’t.
Comment by Kingfisher — October 14, 2008 @ 1:31 am
I always though that keeping human remains, however old they are was illegal in all states in USA…or am I wrong? or maybe that has changed…not siding one way or the other…though personally me with limited access to real skulls I’d make due with a fx made one form a horror movie shop..like some that sell such props on internet..can be ultra realistic…the only reason I see for a real one is for witchcraft lmao….I once helped my brother mod his mouse with various bones to look skeltonized lmao..was sweet…
Comment by mordoz — October 17, 2008 @ 12:17 am
right if all you guys just “stumbled upon this”
what the fuck were you searching for in the first place?!
fucking hell..
i think it’s a little fucked up but i don’t shout it out across the web and someone i don’t know, and i also don’t then tell them their wrong either.
anyway
raz
pretty wierd an fucked up
but kinda cool
really creative
ahaaaa
Comment by Pete — November 19, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
Pete : stumbleupon.com : Also : Hypocrite : Ends
Comment by Wouldnt Let It Lie — November 27, 2008 @ 7:55 pm
Hey Korgi, I hear you, and our numbers are gaining
Pretty soon, the FansOfKorgi will be a force to be recond with
Comment by FanOfKorgi — January 22, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
Reminds me of the servo skulls of the 40K imperium where the dead contiue to have function one deceased. Very nice quality of craftmanship to get this to work, I wonder how hard was it make it fully lightight. Pinhole cameras always produce intresting photos given their simplicity and this one has the added value of a unusual calcium carbonate housing.
Comment by LI — July 30, 2010 @ 2:24 pm