Definition:

A photogram is a photographic image made without a camera by placing objects directly onto the surface of a

photo sensitive

material such as photographic paper and then exposing it to light. The result is a semi-transparent objects appear grey.

negative shadow

image varying in tone, depending on the

transparency

of the objects used. Areas of the paper that have received no light appear white; those exposed through transparent or Photograms have come through three phases in history: 1. Phase 1: To

record

the shapes sizes of natural objects 2. Phase 2: As an artistic

expression

3. Phase 3:

Contemporary

art

Phase 1: To Record

The first period of “photogram” exploration was to gain

scientific record

of natural objects . Anna Atkins was working at the very dawn of photographic development. Her work can be seen below:

British Algae: Cyanotype Impression, 1843 Poppies: Cyanotype Impression, 1850

Phase 2: Artistic Expression The second period was a rediscovery of the artistic potential as illustrated by

Christian Schad

,

Man Ray

and

Lazlo Moholy Nagy

in the Dada, Surrealist and Constructivist periods of art.

Christian Schad, “Schadograph” 1918

Man Ray, “No Title (comb, knife and needle)” 1922

Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, “Self Portrait”, 1926

Phase 3: Contemporary re-discovery More recently, photogramists have utilized the photogram as a means of artistic expression to produce a wide variety of designs and surreal imagery.

Artist such as Adam Fuss and Susan Derges use the very basic science to create some complex artist works: Susan Derges takes camera less photography to the limit. She uses nature to create her images. Working with rivers, coasts and sound waves.

To the right: “Shoreline 5”, 1998 “River Bovey May 07” 2007

Adam Fuss, “Untitled”, 1994.

Fuss deals with themes such as Life, death, motion and experiment.

Summery

: You have seen a lot of examples of how photograms have been and are still being used. It is a simple way of recording objects textures and shapes. Just because it is simple, doesn’t mean it has to be Dull! Consider the following: •

Transparency

: Solid objects create a different effect to glass for example •

Shape

: How about creating your own shapes out of materials to enhance the image...?

•

Composition

: A key factor of any art work. Try to make it visually interesting. Thin about where to lay the objects. Practice this before your Exposure.

Suggested materials

: Cut card (shapes), tissue paper, newspaper, bubble wrap, glass, flowers, liquid in jars, things in jars, yourself, soil, gravel, transparency sheets with writing or sketches....the limits are endless!