Photograms

are analogue photographs without a camera, are a direct exposure on photosensitive material.

Models and/or objects are placed directly on the photo paper, which is then exposed with one or more light sources. The exposed paper is subsequently developed in a special laboratory.

This means that the photo paper always creates a unique piece that is the same size as the exposed motif.

When using film, the size of the objects is limited by the format of the film, but a negative is created from which prints can be made in any size and edition.

The exposure process always takes place in complete darkness. There is no delete key, no mass production. Each image is a unique work of art. Photograms are the result of a fusion of photographic skill and creative vision. Nevertheless, it always remains exciting, there is a certain element of surprise and to quote Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004): "Of course it's always luck."

What looks so ultra-modern is based on one of the oldest of all photographic techniques. It was first developed in the mid-19th century and, since the early 20th century, artists such as Man Ray, Christian Schade, Lászlo Moholy-Nogy, El Lisitzki, Kurt Schnitters and Raoul Hausmann have created world famous masterpieces with photograms.

A quote from Man Ray (1890-1976)says: “Is photography an art? There is no point in trying to find out whether it is an art. Art is old-fashioned. We need something different.”