T52. Chemigrams. Making a 1/1 Darkroom Print
Emily Swift
 4 HOURS, 27/07 SATURDAY IN THE AFTERNOON

The chemigram workshop offers an immersive experience into the creative exploration of the darkroom. Participants will learn to manipulate paper before, during, and after exposure, employing various techniques for abstract results. Each chemigram is unique due to complex chemical reactions, offering participants the chance to create one-of-a-kind artworks. The workshop includes an overview of chemigrams with inspiring examples, exploration of exposure techniques, practical demonstrations of development processes, and a group critique session for sharing work and discussing ideas.

Outline

• Introduction and explanation of the process with project examples

• Exposing the paper

• Processing the chemigrams showing the different techniques

• Group critique and review, Q&A about the process.

Note: The chemigram process involves manipulating darkroom paper before, during, or after exposure, with or without a film negative. Both methods produce abstract results, with using a negative allowing for photo manipulation and without resulting in deeply abstract pieces. Each chemigram is unique due to the unpredictability of chemical reactions, ensuring that no two pieces will be the same. Even when using the same negative, participants' final results will vary uniquely during the workshop.

T15. Giant Collective Chemigram Sculpture
Flora Fanzutti
 4 HOURS, 24/07 WEDNESDAY IN THE AFTERNOON

During the workshop, participants will engage in a series of chemical-painting techniques on a single, elongated piece of photosensitive color paper. Using readily available tools, as well as basic photochemicals, household items, and cooking ingredients, they will explore various methods of application. Working outdoors under sunlight, the paper will be gradually unrolled from its container, allowing for a collaborative and interconnected timeline to emerge as each participant contributes to the creation process. The aim is to go beyond the conventional flat surface of photography and explore its materiality in a sculptural context. As the project progresses, the collective creation will evolve into a sculpture, with participants discussing and devising ways to give it a significant physical presence. The final form of the sculpture will be adapted to its environment. At the conclusion of the festival, participants will have the opportunity to cut and take a portion of the sculpture home with them. They will also be encouraged to continue experimenting and creating with their piece, potentially leading to a multitude of interpretations and iterations of the original artwork, dispersed across the globe.

Outline

• Introduction to Chemical Painting Techniques.

• Hands-On Exploration.

• participants work together to apply their chosen materials onto the elongated piece of color paper.

• Facilitate discussions on how to manipulate the paper to create texture, depth, and dimension.

• Discuss strategies for giving the sculpture a significant physical presence and adapting its form to its environment.

• Engage participants in discussions and brainstorming sessions to collectively determine the final form and installation spot of the sculpture.