Jennifer Kunz Artist’s Statement A photogram is traditionally made in the darkroom by placing objects on light sensitive paper and making an exposure from a controlled light source. Some of the first photographic images were created in this way. William Henry Fox Talbot made numerous images he called photogenic drawings by placing lace, leaves, flowers, and other objects on light sensitive paper and leaving them in the sun for exposure. My process includes enlarging the organic objects down onto the paper, my figure being the object which blocks the light during exposure. Photograms have been embraced throughout photographic history by Man Ray, Maholy-Nagy, and Adam Fuss, and many other artists and amateurs alike.
The photogram is a perfect melding of the photographic ability to capture a factual representation of life in a single moment, and a painterly sense of control of composition, color, and interaction of form and shape. The work I have created for this show chases the transient experience of my figure in the organic world I have created for it. It is a world of flesh and vegetation, imprinted upon and surrounding my body as I move through its deep space. The objects that create the world are chosen for their shape and color and ability to transmit light and texture onto the photographic surface. Each image is separate and different, recording the ephemeral nature of the objects which are degrading under the heat and light of the enlarger bulb, and my own body’s actions, caught for those few seconds under the light. These images are records of my journey through this world, glimpses of thoughts and emotions, myself an active participant, searching through the record of transient moments that make up my life.
Jennifer Kunz 919.286.3008 • Jen@JenniferKunz.com 2314 W. Club Blvd • Durham, NC 27705 JenniferKunz.com
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