Fragments

The work explores the symbolic role of plants as agents of absorption, representing nature's capacity to filter and absorb toxins from the environment. By using plants as both subjects and developers in the photographic process, the work emphasises the idea that plants not only absorb light but also the chemicals, pollutants, and minerals present in their surroundings. This approach highlights the duality of plants as symbols of both resilience and vulnerability in the face of environmental contamination. The use of photograms creates a visual trace that reflects how these natural elements are shaped by their environment. In contrast, the inclusion of abstract geometric shapes within the composition introduces a sense of disconnection, suggesting the distance
between human intervention and natural processes. The clean, rigid lines of these geometric forms stand in opposition to the organic, irregular shapes of the plants, reflecting the often rigid and out-of-sync
nature of human activity in relation to the environment.
The interplay between these elements—natural and synthetic, fragility and resilience, abstraction and organic—forms the core of this experimental work. Through the combination of plant imagery, geometric
abstraction, and the reactive qualities of silver nitrate, the piece captures the complexities of environmental decay. It invites reflection on the interdependence between human actions and the natural world, underscoring the fragmentary nature of this relationship.

Studio Goppo offered valuable knowledge, equipment and expertise to contribute to my eco-darkroom development research.  The work demonstrates the use of plant-based Pyrogallic Acid Developers effective when developing Silver Gelatine based emulsions. The results on Resin oated photographic paper are nearly flawless with minimal toning (Bokul developer). 

Supported by Mondriaan Fonds.

This project investigates the toxic nature of analog photographic processes and the sustainable alternatives that are available. Due to the mishandling of special and toxic waste, a significant amount of territory in the south of Italy and numerous countries in the African continent are severely polluted. The levels of toxicity in the land and air affect the local communities with diseases and disrupt the quality of locally grown produce. Analog photography plays a part in the pollution of the territories in which it is operated, creating the need for a sustainable alternative.

The techniques used depend on polyphenolic and sodium ascorbate base with a circular component in mind. Plant-based elements allow for an environmentally safe mixture that matches the results of commercially available chemicals without the use of oil refining byproducts and benzene derivatives. The prime ingredients of the chemicals can be found in nature and extracted with natural solvents of opposite polarity through boiling and maceration methods, creating a solution that is safe to use and to discard. The waste products can be recycled into compost or fast biodegradable matter.
This research was supported by Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in 2022
The following is a series of experiments on paper and film, part of the presentation Future of Art Making at Rijksakademie in Amsterdam.                                -read more