Wilson_Ariel C._Universally Recognized Basic Value Install 1_2020.jpg

Standard Variance (18% Grey)

2019 - 2023

Used Grey Cards, Video, Photographs

Standard variance (18% Grey)

2020- ongoing
Selection of 12 8x10” Used Grey cards from collection
Site-specific Installations Include varying number of grey cards, dimensions variable.


 
 
 
 

Standard variance (Grey Card White Balance)

2020
Looping, single-chanel video
00:52

 

 
 
 
 

Universally recognized basic value (18% Grey)

2020
Archival Inkjet Print
16 x 20”

Edition of 5

 

Every image Color corrected by a grey card is color corrected by an image of a grey card, not a grey card (100%, 3260%, & 12,800%)

2023
10 Archival Inkjet Prints on matt board
8 x 10” each

Edition of 3

 

Install Sketch: Every image corrected by a grey card is corrected by an image of a grey card, not a grey card (100% - 12,800%)

2023
8x10” Mounted Archival Inkjet Prints
dimensions variable

 

The grey card is a tool used in photography to calibrate exposure and white balance using middle grey, a tone that is halfway between black and white that is calculated to be 18% light reflectance. The grey card is described as a neutral standard in hue and “accurate to within 1%” according to fabricator Delta 1. In Standard Variance, I respond to tonal discrepancies across grey cards, as objects and subjects of photographs. The closer I examine the grey cards, the less archival and constant they appear to me. I am left wondering which grey is truly middle grey.


If you have old 8x10” grey cards that you’d like to contribute to this project, please get in contact for a mailing address.