Fotographija

Hand Printed

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The Splendid

Valletta

17th – 31st January 2020

“The beauty of photography is not in the final print but on the journey required to create it.” 

In today’s digital environment, analogue photography is converted into digital files to be consumed through electronic devices and immediately shared over multiple social media sites. The immediacy and amount of images shared online raises questions not only about our social interactions but even more so on how photography is used; when the choice of shared images is based on the number of likes and social approval to be gained rather than to share the photographic experience. Too many posted images are of poor photographic technique, with added ‘artistic editing’ to compensate. It is true that as an art form, technical proficiency in photography is not vital but complimenting a photograph with a good story will give a greater sense of fulfilment than any editing could. Social media platforms offer numerous options in which to share; therefore, very few analogue photographers experience the artistic insight of handling a darkroom print of their work. In a traditional analogue setting, the photographer would go through a long process of choices and decisions before arriving at a final shareable print. Read More…

This exhibition is divided into 2 sections

The main section features a random collection of silver gelatin hand-made prints of Falzon’s own photographs, which he printed over the years. The second part consists of a series of hand-made prints from a small selection of Darkroom Malta analogue photographers. Participants submitted a selection of their favourite black and white photographs which were then discussed with Falzon. The final choice of image to be printed was mainly based on the story behind it. The exhibition will highlight the intricacies of hand-made prints when compared to the immediacy, quantity and quality of image sharing on social media in today’s digital environment. Learning photography with film workshops and Postwar Photography in Malta, a talk by well-known author Kevin Casha will accompany this exhibition. Finally, in recognition of today’s social context, this project will also exist online, on various social media platforms.

Alan Falzon

Each hand-printed photograph is the final step in its photographic journey. A journey that aims to capture the mystery of the everyday. Today’s fast-paced, social-media-driven world has created a perfection-seeking, open and public environment where privacy is becoming rare and therefore more precious. As a private person by nature, the red-lit darkroom is my escape from social scrutiny into an analogue world of intricate choices and materials. This environment allows me to use my time, thought, and senses to work with film, paper and chemicals, forming a pleasurable and intimate photographic journey. This random collection of silver gelatin proofs was printed over several years, solely for my personal enjoyment, never intended for an exhibition or social media sharing. Although I strive to create a unique work of art, my main interest is in the process. I do not create the final ‘perfect’ print while imperfections such as dust spots and small scratches are not retouched. “The beauty of photography is not in the final print but in the journey required to create it.” 

Artists Statement                       Artist Biography

Learn Photography with Film Workshops

Book your place

20th, 23rd, 27th or 30th January

With digital photography, you can immediately see what you shoot,which means you can just shoot at random until you get it right. Do it with film, and it will cost you a fortune! By learning photography basics, you will quickly gain enough confidence to shoot a roll of film without the urge to chimp. You will shoot less but end up with better photos. Film cameras are well-engineered yet straightforward machines. Learn how to load film and choose suitable settings for the available light, subject and desired look. **Also get a free 35mm roll including it’s developing and scanning.

Kevin Casha

A career now spanning over 40 years in photography, Kevin Casha is a highly awarded Maltese photographic artist and tutor. He has been past Presidentof the Malta Photographic Society (MPS) and current Chairman and founder of the Malta Institute of Professional Photography (MIPP). To date, he is the only person to have been awarded Honorary Life Membership of both top local photographic organizations for his contribution towards photography.

Post-war photography in Malta, a talk by Kevin Casha

An insight into the progress of Maltese photography after 1945 – the difficulties, the technology and the protagonists.

Darkroom Malta

Analogue Photograpgraphy Supplies

Golden Gate

General Printing

Nexos Lighting

Exhibition Venue Lighting

Gag

Greenway Art Gallery

Frames

Photo City

Focal Photoshop

Photo Images

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