New Photographic Chemistry
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In 2014, I found a second-hand 1963 publication, 'A Textbook of Photographic Chemistry'. It was like unearthing a forgotten language whose significance had been lost. It inspired a creative process involving the appropriation, re-presentation, deconstruction and eventual destruction of the original textbook - a form of metaphorical exploration. 'New Photographic Chemistry' combines studio-based digital photography with layers of manipulation, physical actions (cutting, tearing, folding, constructing, deconstructing and even burning), printing (including fabrics), re-photographing and often, further digital manipulation and mark-making. Everything, even the most complex, began in the book. In the outcome, signifier is released from signified and re-presented, often enhanced and multiplied, in a colourful, seductive, hyper-real simulation. The viewer is tempted to read a new significance and the transformation that is 'Photographic Chemistry', something more than the physical reactions of substances, works its magic. Yet the complex, seductive and thought-provoking images are empty of significance beyond their making. Two video links (right) on this page provide more background on the process and presentation of the project. |
As part of my BA submission, I bound my images back into the cover of the old book - see video below:
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