GIRAF19 WORKSHOPS: PHOTOGRAMS WITH EMILY PELSTRING

Join GIRAF19 visiting artist Emily Pelstring to discover the process of making moving-image photograms. Drawing on the process “rayographs” process of surrealist photographer Man Ray, who was well-known for his use of the photogram in still photography, participants will use similar principles to create moving-image photograms, placing objects directly onto raw film stock in complete darkness and exposing the strip of film with a flashlight, leaving negative imprints where the objects have blocked light from the film. Participants can bring small objects to expose—great results have been achieved using roots, dead bugs, tiny flowers, sand, and hair, for example. The technique results in a “flicker” animation due to the random placement of objects on each frame of the film. 

The process offers artists a reflection on indexicality, materiality, tactility and immediacy in the photochemical filmmaking process. In keeping with these themes, participants will hand-process the film in buckets so that they can see the results on a light table right away. The workshop will convene again briefly the following day for a screening, once the film is dry and ready to splice together and project.

Format:

Day 1 (NOV 18): 4 hours

Introduction to the concept and viewing some examples; Demonstration of registering materials in the dark, exposing and hand-processing in buckets in a makeshift darkroom; Participants prepare materials and take turns exposing and processing photograms in the darkroom; Hang results to dry overnight.

Day 2 (NOV 19): 1 hour

Splice tests together to project on 16mm and discuss; Separate sections out for participants to take their photograms home.

All materials will be provided for the participants.