Artists are continuously inventing ways to create new and beautiful representations of reality, as shown by the stunning pieces created by artist Zhang Dali who uses a technique invented 150 years ago. The Chinese Fine Arts and Design graduate chemically manipulates photos to produce a kind of image called photograms or cyanotypes.
Through an elaborated work, these photograms come to life. Dali explains its method of work, “After drying the fabric, images placed in front of the fabric are captured in silhouette; and, within a few minutes of exposure to the sun’s ray’s negative images, or shadows start to form. Areas not exposed to light remain white while those exposed to the light result in different tones of blue, depending on the varying degrees of transparency of the objects.” With titles like June and Cyclists, these cobalt cotton canvas pieces show beautiful images that are delicate and pretty.
The magnificent work by Zhang Dali is titled World’s Shadows and is exhibited at Pékin Fine Arts in Beijing from January 8, 2012.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Chemical Manipulated Photograms
- Opportunity for artists and photographers to explore an alternative method of image creation using chemical manipulation techniques.
- Cyanotype Images
- Growing interest in the timeless beauty and unique aesthetic of cyanotype images, creating opportunities for artists and designers to experiment with this millenary technique.
- Alternative Image Creation Techniques
- Exploring non-digital methods of image creation offers a disruptive innovation opportunity in the field of photography and visual arts.
Where This Applies
- Fine Arts
- Artists and galleries can embrace the use of chemical manipulated photograms to create unique and expressive pieces.
- Photography
- Photographers can incorporate cyanotype images into their portfolio to offer a distinct and visually appealing style for clients.
- Design
- By integrating alternative image creation techniques like cyanotypes, designers can bring a nostalgic and authentic feel to their creative projects.
