Marne Lucas

Artist Statement

My "artveillance" practice uses infrared thermal (IRT) imaging to depict actual luminous bodily energy, and conceptually transformation and the spirit world. A heat-sensitive technology associated with military or surveillance, shows actual heat signatures unseen by the human eye. Visible light cameras read 400–700 nanometer range, IRT cameras see wavelengths up to 14000 nm. IRT measures energy striking a surface, heat appears white, cold or wet objects turn black, detailing radiant energy of objects. The appearance is breathtaking, human bodies appear to be lit within, and expresses ideas about our beginnings as being part of the universe, that we are beings of light.

Artist Bio

Marne Lucas is a queer interdisciplinary artist and end of life doula working at the intersection of art, science, and health in social practice investigations. An infrared thermal video pioneer since 1995, Lucas uses thermography to illuminate the fragility of human life cycles. The Bardo Project explores creativity and caregiving in collaborations with terminally ill artists nationwide to establish legacies. She exhibits worldwide at Brand Library (L.A.), PICA (OR), Fremantle Arts Centre (Perth AU), Peltz Gallery (London UK), her IRT work appeared at FEMeeting 2025 Windsor, CAD (2024) and a 2025 Playa Summerlake (OR) residency. Her work is in collections of Portland Art Museum, The Hallie Ford Museum of Art, and the Visual Chronicle of Portland, RACC.