V&A- Shadow Catchers: Camerless Photography

'Photography is not just something that captures an image or a scene on paper, but was originally evolved from desire to capture precious memories or possession of oneself’ … however, what happens when ones camera is destroyed, could we still capture images of these sentimental values?

In this exhibition, I witness and learnt different technique of capturing and developing a photograph without the use of a single camera.

It was a truly inspiring exhibition with very valuable quotes and theory from the exhibitors themselves. I especially like Floris Neususs:

‘’ In the photograph, Man is not depicted, but the picture of him comes into being by an act of imagination’’.

Floris Neususs : Pictogram series

I have almost forgot about Photogram – a simple yet effect way of capturing and developing a non existing subject … the shadow and negative reverse of an object. The above image is a collection on Floris Neususs photogram work. I find it very inspiring to see someone use this simple technique to create something that’s so energetic, alive and possessed (you may disagree with me). At first glance, you may just think- ‘yeah it s a silhouette’, but it is after further reading and actually focusing on the depth and contrast of the image, you start noticing the true qualities of the image. It is also quite fascinating to think and imagine how he got those shapes i.e. what position he got the model to pose to get this kind of exposure.  

This quote above has a given me a really in depth and awakening thought. Life originally was this simple, life should be free, and life should be full of creativity and imagination. Though I really enjoy photograph and the challenge of capturing a ‘well composed’, ‘ good balanced’ photograph, maybe just looking at silhouettes and different ways of using ‘imagery’ could create a more imaginative outcome – why should things be handed to you on a plate anyway? One should discover for themselves as I believe the process is as valuable as the outcome.

Out of all the work displayed at this exhibition, I found Susan Derges ‘Arch Series’ the most interesting and the one that created the most impact on me, especially for this MA project. 

Susan Derges: Arch 4  (Summer)

Susan Derges: Arch 3 (Spring)

Susan Derges: Arch 1 ( Autumn)

Again, these images were captured with the use if pictograms, but in this case- it was set outside and used the light from the moon to capture the scene. On top of that- a mirror was placed in a river to further develop this immaculate image. It is this kind of idea generation which really excites me, something that is mad, outrageous and unseen.

Susan Derges: Arch 2 (Winter)

'' The success of ones wealth is not based on how much they hold in their bank account, but the experience and knowledge they have encountered throughout life’ .

Maybe it is this challenge of imagination that will make me more ‘wealthy’ as a person.

Who would have thought such sparkling images could be created without the use of modern technology and software, Thumbs up exhibition and really glad I went!!!!