Bomb Book, 2012, bookwork, edition of 12, Published by Presentation House Gallery and Publication Studio, Vancouver
Bomb Book is a 12-volume, 2,450-page publication that documents every nuclear bomb detonation in the world since 1945. This hand-made, boxed work documents the name of one bomb on each page, and where no name exists, the page is left blank. Pinheiro has spent a decade conducting historical research into nuclear bomb tests, especially in relation to the history of photography, such as how fogged film led to the discovery of radiation. The artist has produced a highly unique historical archive that, significantly, contains no images but is simply a register of names, that gives every nuclear event equal significance. The durational experience of reading the books foregrounds the limits of representation.
Bomb Book is a co-publication with Presentation House Gallery (Polygon Gallery) and Publication Studio, Vancouver
Test structure for a future without windows, photogravure, 2009, original photo courtesy of the National Nuclear Security Administration, Nevada Site Office