Alternative Processes: Chemigrams

Often likened to the process of making batik, the chemigram process was discovered by Pierre Cordier, hailed as the Father of the Chemigram, on November 10, 1956. Like anthotypes, chlorophyll prints, and lumen prints, chemigrams are created through a cameraless process.

Credits: becka9

Based on an article written by Christina Z. Anderson on Alternative Photography, the very basic process for making chemigrams is as follows:

  • Resists such as nail polish, butter, honey, lacquer, and resin are applied to light-sensitive papers using a brush, roller, or other means.
  • The coated paper is subjected to the developer/fixer cycle. The developer turns the background black, while the fixer, white. In between dippings, particularly when it appears to have finished developing or fixing, the paper is rinsed with water. The resist will gradually dissolve at some point.
  • Upon finishing the chemigram, remove as much of the resist as archivally possible. Do a fix for the last time and archival wash. Dry.
Credits: becka9

To see the more detailed process by Anderson, head on to this page. Meanwhile, @crevans27 has a Tipster on making and understanding positive and negative images—an introduction to making chemigrams. Do check it out here.


Information in this article was sourced from Alternative Processes and @crevans27's Tipster.

Previously:

written by Julien Matabuena on 2015-10-09 #tutorials #tipster #chemigram #alternative-processes-series #chemigram-process

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