Between 1945 and 1992 the United States
detonated 1,149 nuclear test explosions.
Until 1962 the tests were conducted in the
atmosphere and oceans. 106 of the 216
above-ground blasts were exploded 63
miles from Las Vegas, Nevada. The remain-
ing were detonated at the Enewetak or
Bikini Atolls in the Pacific Ocean. The imme-
diate and lasting consequences of these
tests were unforeseen.

Michael Light's installation, 100 SUNS, was first
presented at the Hosfelt Gallery in 2003 and is
currently traveling. At the heart of this exhibi-
tion are 100 photographs culled by Michael
Light from the U.S. National Archives and the
records of the Los Alamos National Labora-
tory. The re-photo-graphed images depict
above-ground tests at or shortly after the
moment of explosion.

Utilizing the found photographs along with
text and photographic imagery shot by Light,
the installation raises palpable issues about
"weapons of mass destruction" in the hands
of any nation.

100 SUNS, published by Alfred A. Knopf, is
available for purchase.

Afterimage interview