Ghost in the Machine

A new collection from Candy Digital and Getty Images explores the origins of spirit photography, and its impact on art today. 

For as long as technologies have existed, we’ve projected magical properties onto them. The introduction of the camera in the 19th century preceded the rise of Spiritualism: a belief that the dead continued to live and interact with the terrestrial plane. In 1861, a dark room accident led to the creation of the first spirit photograph. William H. Mumler took a self-portrait using a plate that was already exposed. Inside the frame, an otherworldly being emerged. 

Soon, spirit photography came to popularity as a way of capturing the undead, and providing a direct connection to deceased loved ones. Spiritualists hailed the images as scientific evidence of their beliefs. Mediumship flourished. There were seances in the White House. There were dozens of magazines dedicated to documenting paranormal encounters. 

All this, of course, was a scam. The history of photography is also the history of manipulation. Like any technology, we use the camera to tell stories. Only some of them are true. But they reveal something essential: the idea that another unseen reality is within reach. 

Spanning 20 landmark physical-digital artworks, including 4 never-before-released photographs from the Hulton Archive, Ghost in the Machine surveys the origination and history of spirit photography: from 19th century works created through double exposure and physical manipulation to early 20th century works that represent complex constructed images. Each edition comes with a framed print. 

And starting today, you can begin your journey. Collect a sample of ectoplasm, and unlock entry into invisible realms. 

On October 25th, Ghost in the Machine will launch. With it, we’ll share a digital exhibition and zine that explores the legacy of spirit photography. Nightmare Logic highlights the work of a new generation of artists who use the paranormal as a way of exploring identity, and conjuring invisible spaces. Whether it’s a camera or a line of code, technology can give form to our deepest fears. When we see them, we can begin to face them, too. 

Explore the new collections here. 

Read the zine here. 

Ghost in the Machine: Collection Details

• Release Date: 10.25.23, 1pm ET
• Sale Close: 11.27.23, 5pm ET
• Physical-Digital
  • Works: 20 Artworks 
  • Edition Size: 3 
  • Each purchase includes a physical (9.25" x 14" image within a 14.75" x 19.5" frame with a matte) and digital photograph
    • We are pleased to offer complimentary global shipping for all orders of the physical product
    • All prints will be provided and shipped by photos.com
• Price: $225  
• Digital-Only
  • Works: 20 Artworks
  • Edition Size: 3 
  • Price: $50

Nightmare Logic: Collection Details

• Release Date: 10.25.23, 1pm ET
• Sale Close: 11.27.23, 5pm ET 
• Digital Works: 10 Artworks 
• Edition Size: 10 
• Price: $75