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