Classical photograph

A photograph is often defined as a picture of a thing that can be seen, and so it is, but my work represents a microcosm of an imagined universe; an internal image which is different to the thing which can be seen, and can only ever be realized once. I have researched many methods and techniques from the dawn of photography, specializing in the end in wet collodion process onto a glass plate; then printing on Japanese 'washi' paper and applying pure gold leaf. The work is always one-off and handmade, so the results are unpredictable, unique and original.

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Classical photograph

Classical Photograph

Modern trends in photography have moved away from optical-chemical film photographs towards digital images. The advantage to this is that the images can be captured easily and instantly and rather than as a memory or record, then stored safely on computer, with little need to print onto paper.
But before digital photography became the primary means of production, photography was a medium of imagination and excitement. The very uncertainty of the outcome - from the revealing of the latent image, to the printing - made the revelation exciting. Often, the finished print was not what the photographer had intended, but it was this uncertainty that led to the uniqueness of each image.

I wished to challenge the stereotype that developing and printing of photographs is a mechanical and reproducible means of production. I studied classical methods of photography at Osaka University of Arts, and I was overwhelmed upon encountering the method of producing photographs one by one, even using printing paper one had made oneself. My ongoing dream is to share with people my excitement at what I learned about these methods, now considered obsolete and in danger of extinction. But because my own work is an original process in its own right, Classical photograph has been registered as a trademark (Trademark registration 6088065, Application #2017-172889).
My research into many and varied aspects of classical photography and techniques is ongoing, and my aim is to devote myself to producing of unique and one-off photographs as well as endeavor to spread classical printing throughout the world.


Award

「Beautiful Ms.清月」

“Beautiful Ms. Seigetsu” Grand Prix Award,
“Ashiya Photo Exhibition -Road to Paris-” in 2014

Chief Priestess Ms. Seigetsu entered the Buddhist priesthood at the age of 14, and never wore makeup or cosmetics. When I had this chance to take her photography, I begged her to experiment with lipstick, aiming to capture her pure and charming expression.
Compare it to her dignified appearance as she carries out her duties: both are amazingly beautiful.

「銀婚式」 硝子湿板

“Silver Wedding Anniversary”
Selected for 2018 SALON D'AUTOMNE

A couple celebrates their 25th wedding anniversary, toasting each other but talking with a mask on; their true natures concealed. All the fruits and flowers are in a state of decay, except for a fresh lemon – it tastes bitter when you bite.
This still life represents the evanescent or fragility of a couple married for many years.

“Silence, Gogh, Monet”
Selected for 2021 SALON D'AUTOMNE

  • Silence Gogh

    It is generally thought that Vincent Van Gogh committed suicide in the wheat field which was the subject of his painting “Wheatfield with Crows”, which lies at the end of this lane.
    Photographed in Auvers-sur-Oise, France

  • Silence Monet

    Claude Monet spent his later years surrounded by his family, and painted “Water Lilies” in this garden in Giverny. In these subjects, I aimed to portray the stillness in the hearts of two great painters.
    Photographed in Giverny, France


       

Profile

代表
若林 久未来Kumiko WakabayashiPhotographer

Born in Osaka, Japan

2007-2011
Studied classical photography at Photography Department of Osaka University of Arts

I have mounted many exhibitions, attended workshops and answered invitations to exhibit my work in Seoul, Paris and Yekaterinburg (For details, please go to News/Event.).

Achievements

2011
Won Graduation Production Award, Photography Department, Osaka University of Arts
2014
Won Grand Prix Award, “1st Ashiya Photo Exhibition -Road to Paris-”, Ashiya Photo Association
2018
Won MIG Art Award, MI gallery, Osaka
2018
Selected artist, 2018 SALOND'AUTOMNE, Paris
2019
Won Outstanding Award in MIG Art Award, MI gallery, Osaka
2021
Selected artist, 2021 SALOND'AUTOMNE, Paris

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