Ethan Jantzer : Photogram Artist ( Entry 1 )

Ethan Jantzer

Photograms are images produced without the use of a camera by placing objects directly on photosensitive paper and exposing the assemblage to light. 

Artist Ethan Jantzer creates photograms that take photography back to its roots.

When we think about photograms, Man Ray is usually a name that comes to mind. We often think of this practice as an old fashion photography technique. Man Ray's work included experimental photography, assemblages of objects exposed, using stationary and moving light sources. Is is absolutely logical and normal to associate photograms to old school practices since the first chemically photographic process, considered a photogram, has been accidentally discovered in 1725. (Yes, way before Man Ray) Johann Heinrich Schultze, a German physicist, found that silver nitrate impregnated on gypsum in a jar when left to sunlight. It turned dark on the side facing the window.

Let's go back to Ethant Jantzer. Jantzer used to work at a photo lab. He once mentioned  in an interview that it was pure boredom that led him to try fooling arounf with the equipment in the dark room. He experimented with lights and raw films. After multiple experimentation, he started creating images using organic content and a variety of accessories such as fish (as seen on the picture above), grass, flowers and also liquids such as Gatorade and Windex. He said the liquids are used to achieve translucent colors.

 

 In the same interview he explained hi process: ''...in total darkness, I lay objects on top of or in front of large sheets of photographic film or paper. Once the composition is in place, I flash light through colored liquids like Gatorade or Windex. This burst of saturated colored light creates shadows that are captured on the film or paper. By combining multiple flashes of light from various angles, I am able to create unique photographic images. One thing I really like about the process is how it forces me to pay attention to subtle changes in an object’s form or texture. I guess the same could be said about the images. The lack of detail makes us address or at least acknowledge the often overlooked and subtle details..''

His work can be found throughout a number of galleries, notable collections, and public environments. 

References:

http://www.ethanart.com/

http://www.seedsandfruit.com/2010/01/ethan-jantzer-photogram-artist/

http://www.photograms.org/Chapter-3.htm?m=83