Beyond human vision: Towards an archaeology of infrared images

Abstract

The article sets out to explore in a concise manner the archaeology of today’s infrared images, through some scientific and technological devices, discourses, and practices that have led to the development of analogue infrared imaging from the second half of the 19th century up to the 1960s. We focus on some examples that show the origins of two instances where the contemporary uses of digital infrared intertwine and co-exist: first, the need to map what is invisible to the human eye, and second, the need to track data and manage information flows.