Definition:
A photogram is a photographic image made without a camera
by placing objects directly onto the surface of a photosensitive material such as photographic paper and then
exposing it to light. The result is a 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
semi-transparent objects appear grey.
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 MoholyNagy in the Dada, Surrealist and Constructivist periods of
art.
Christian Schad, “Schadograph” 1918
Laszlo Moholy-Nagy,
“Self Portrait”, 1926
Man Ray, “No Title (comb, knife
and needle)” 1922
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!