In our youthful imaginations, we envisioned a pathway adorned with the resplendent hues of the rainbow. Today, as we witness its existence, we are left captivated and inspired.
Through an extraordinary series of long exposure photographs called Rainbow Road, filmmaker Daniel Mercadante has transported us to ethereal landscapes that were once ordinary. These mesmerizing images unveil a neon-colored trail, seemingly infused with life, as it meanders through tranquil hills, weaves between majestic forest trees, and gracefully curves around urban street corners.
The parallels between Mercadante’s series and the renowned race track of Mario Kart are striking. To bring this visual spectacle to life, Mercadante devised a one-of-a-kind lighting rig, adorned with rainbow-colored gels. With this contraption in hand, he traversed the landscapes, while his camera’s slow shutter speed immortalized the blurred movements onto a singular, elongated rainbow road.
Mercadante, widely recognized for his collaborative filmmaking endeavors with his wife Katina as The Mercadantes, openly admits that delving into still imagery has been a refreshing change. While their focus has predominantly been on creating motion pictures, capturing singular moments through still photographs presented a welcomed challenge. The artist acknowledges the significance of this project, as it requires capturing images over a span of 15 seconds to one minute, mirroring the passage of time required for a scene in one of their short films.
Having already crafted rainbow roads in Connecticut and Guatemala, Mercadante’s ambition knows no bounds. He envisions extending this series to various locations across the globe, bringing forth a vibrant neon pathway that radiates with life. It dances across serene hills, frolics amidst the forest’s verdant canopy, and gracefully embraces the winding bends of city streets.
The exhibition of Mercadante’s work presents a vivid spectacle, as if witnessing an illuminated pathway that breathes with vitality. It is a testament to the awe-inspiring wonders that can be discovered when we rediscover the dreams of our childhood.
