Francis O'Shaughnessy

Of Laotian origin, Francis O’Shaughnessy is a Quebec-based artist-researcher working in photography and performance.

His practice is rooted in the exploration of portraiture within the landscape.

Several times a year, O’Shaughnessy installs his handmade solarigraphic devices in locations throughout his Montreal neighborhood.

These devices—essentially light traps—remain in place for long durations, sometimes months, sometimes years.

The principle behind solarigraphy is simple: light slowly imprints itself onto a photosensitive surface.

Day by day, it traces its path, revealing subtle variations over time.

This slow, deliberate process generates images that are entirely unique—marked by accidents, distortions, and unforeseen light effects.

These unexpected results emerge only through patience, presence and the quiet passage of time.