Liz Deschenes, 1898 - 1928, 2019

2019

Medium

Silver toned photogram mounted on aluminum

Dimensions

152.4 × 50.8 cm

Status

In Gallery Collection

Collect24 Art ID

C24-156272

"1898 - 1928" (2019) is a portrait-format photogram, mounted on an aluminum plate, which can simultaneously be understood as a photograph as well as a pictorial process. Liz Deschenes explores the material potential of photography by utilizing the elemental aspects of the medium: photo paper, light and chemicals. Deschene's time-consuming work process begins with exposing light-sensitive paper to the ambient light of the nighttime and subsequently washing and fixing it with silver toner. The resulting photograms bear fine, abstract traces of their creation process and, through their reflective surfaces, include both the viewer and the spatial context of their presentation. As the material continues to oxidize, the work slowly evolves over time. The exhibition space thus becomes a camera itself, which, depending on the incidence of light, co-determines the surface changes. Thus, "1898 - 1928" absorbs light and at the same time makes the material development of photography tangible. Deschenes also understands their photograms as an experience and inscription of space and time. In contrast to traditional photography, her photograms are no longer just a snapshot, but continuously absorb the influences of their surroundings.