Class Conservation and Restoration - Alternative Processes

This course expands students' understanding of the photosensitive materials used throughout the history of photographic printing and works on their aesthetic sensibility by exploring alternative methods of creating and printing photographic images. Through practical experimentation, students work on controlling variables, are encouraged to slow down, learn from mistakes, and explore the plastic dimension of photography. This course also addresses the appropriate preservation of diferent photographic materials.

Not applicable

Photosensitive families and how they work. Forms of image construction, density, and digital negatives. Characteristics of photosensitive materials, their relationship with different papers and other supports, care in their preservation, and the most common types of deterioration.  Printing practices for processes belonging to different photosensitive families (silver salts, iron compounds, dichromate colloids, and natural pigments). Multiple layers, combinations of processes, and interventions. Supports and their preparation for printing. Principles of photographic preservation, types of protective containers, and construction of individual wrapper. 

From the very first session, students are visually contaminated with the aesthetic potential inherent in the practices they will be experimenting with. Throughout the unit, methodology, recording and learning through error are encouraged. The approach to tools, processes, combinations of processes and manipulations focuses on the potential of the choices made and their relationship to discourse.   

Anderson, C. Z. (2017). Gum printing: a step-by-step manual highlighting artists and their creative practice . New York: Focal Press. Anderson, C. Z. (2017). Salted paper printing: a step-by-step manual highlighting contemporary artists . New York: Focal Press. Anderson, C. Z. (2019). Cyanotype: Blue print in the contemporary practice . New York: Focal Press. Clerc, L. P. (1970). Photography Theory and Practice . London and New York: Focal Press. Crawford, W. (1979). The keepers of light. New York: Morgan & Morgan. Christopher, J. (2007) The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes , 2nd edition. Delmar Cengage Learning, New York. Fabbri, M. (2012). Anthotypes: explore the darkroom in your garden and make photographs using plants. Stockholm: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Golaz, A. (2021) Cyanotype Toning : Using Botanicals to Tone Blueprints Naturally . London: Routledge. Pavão, L. (1997). Conservação de Colecções de Fotografia . Lisboa: Dinalivro.