Mordançage process

Likeness of the Glory, 2021 | Mordançage process of gelatin silver photogram with blue toner | 30 x 40 inches | Unique

Videographer Michael Intile | Music Those We Lose by Emmett Cooke

 

Mordançage process

Between Us and You, 2021 | Mordançage process of gelatin silver photogram | 30 x 40 inches | Unique

Videographer Michael Intile

 

Mordançage process

Unseen Everlasting, 2021 | Mordançage process of gelatin silver photogram | 30 x 40 inches | Unique

Videographer Michael Intile | Piano by Darren Jessee

 

Photogram

A Photogram, also referred to as Cameraless Photography, is a photographic image made without a camera by placing objects directly onto the surface of light-sensitive photographic paper and then exposing it to light. The print is developed in the darkroom using the three-bath chemistry of developer, stop, and fix. The usual result is a negative shadow image that shows variations in tone that depend upon the transparency of the objects used. Areas of the paper that have received no light appear white; those exposed for a shorter time or through transparent or semi-transparent objects appear grey, while fully exposed areas are black in the final print.

Mordançage

Mordançage is an alternative photographic process that alters silver gelatin darkroom prints to give them a degraded effect. The Mordançage solution works in two ways: it chemically bleaches the print so that it can be redeveloped, and it lifts the black areas of the emulsion away from the paper giving the appearance of veils. Once the emulsion is lifted, it can be removed or manipulated depending on the desired outcome. Areas where the emulsion is removed appear in relief (raised from the surface.) Mordançage prints can become oxidized during their creation, further altering the tonality of the image.