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Archival reprint on bamboo fibre paper, from original analogue photograph, unique mordençage process.
Image size: 4 x 5″ on 8 x 10″ paper, unframed.
Edition of 10.
The process:
Originally photographed on film using a 4×5″ pinhole camera, then hand-printed in the darkroom and modified using the mordençage process. Due to the instability of the final print when modified in this way, I scan and reprint the image on fine art paper such as bamboo fibre or baryta papers to create a final photograph that replicates the look and feel of the original, but regains the longevity of an archival print.
Mordançage is an alternative process that alters traditional silver-gelatin photographs by chemically bleaching the print so that it can be redeveloped. The black areas of the emulsion lift away from the paper giving the appearance of veils which are then removed or manipulated, depending on the desired outcome. Areas where the emulsion was removed appear to be in relief. These prints can become oxidized during their creation, further altering the tonality of the image and are unique.
