16/10/2008
Edward Mapplethorpe
artMbassy, Berlin
The 2 exhibitions show an artist who continuously breaks the boundaries of the photographic process. TimeLines presents a body of work in wich artist continues his formal exploration of line, combining the gestural impulses of action painting with the mechanical processes of the photographic medium. TimeZones showcases the 9 pristine film negatives with their corresponding large silver gelatin prints. Each negative and print will precisely represent one dynamic tone of the Zone System.
artMbassy, together with Ketterer Art Berlin, is pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition of
the American photographer Edward Mapplethorpe on the occasion of The Third European
Month of Photography.
TimeLines
In this recent body of work Mapplethorpe continues his formal exploration
of line, combining the gestural impulses of action painting with the
mechanical processes of the photographic medium. Alternately using hair
and hand applied pigment as mark-making devices, the artist shifts
between the paradigms of control and randomness that have structured
and tempered his work to reach a new level of complexity.
For Mapplethorpe, hair has always been emblematic of revolution, acting
as a cultural signifier and barometer of change against the status quo. Its
implementation here is evocative of both the conceptual and formal risks
undertaken by the artist in creating this ambitious project. The exhibition is Untitled, No. 840, 2007, Lithprint
composed of unique works solely created in the darkroom without the use
of traditional cameras. The result is a spiritual and organic balance between chaos and order
encompassing a stunning visual range spanning from the intricate delicacy of fleeting lines to
bold, graphic tangles of colour. This new abstract work provides a telling connection not only to
Mapplethorpe’s history as a photographer but as an artist who has journeyed to push the
limitations of the photographic process. The exhibition will include unique groups of colour
chromogenic prints and black & white lith prints along with a related edition of lithographs.
TimeZones
The Science of Art/The Art of Science: Black to White (and everything in between)
The Zone System can accurately be defined as the pragmatic application of the fundamental
scientific principles of photographic theory. This synthesis between the scientific basis and the
practical application of photography was first developed and promulgated by Ansel Adams (1902
– 1984) in his Basic Photo Series. In many respects, it is the crucial theoretical element linking
the creative process with the craft and technique of traditional photography.
The system states that 11 zones define and comprise the complete tonal spectrum from which all
traditional black and white photographic images are composed. These zones range from pure
black (Zone 0) to pure white (Zone X) with full workable “dynamic range” zones in between.
In order to successfully apply this theory to picture taking, a sequence of tests must calibrate all
the essential photographic tools: light meter to camera and lens, camera and lens to film, and film
to enlarger. This painstaking process is an art unto itself and is the subject of Edward
Mapplethorpe’s newest series of images titled, TimeZones: The Science of Art / The Art of
Science: Black to White (and everything in between).
Here, the artist executes the calibration process and accurately records each “dynamic” zone on
8x10” sheet film through an exposure and a development standard that has been carefully set.
All variables (lighting, film and paper emulsions, chemical life and chemical temperature) are kept
to their extreme bare minimum. A densitometer is utilized for accurate calculation of film-base-
plus-fog and each sheet’s zone density.
The exhibition will showcase the 9 pristine 8x10” film negatives with their corresponding large
50x60” silver gelatin prints. Each negative and print will precisely represent one dynamic tone of
the Zone System.
Mr. Mapplethorpe initially conceived of the idea a number of years ago when contemplating the
real possibility that traditional photographic methods could soon become obsolete. Although he
has, to some degree, embraced new digital technologies in other groups of work, he maintains a
purist spirit that now leads him to showcase the traditional medium in its’ most fundamental way.
TimeLines and TimeZones are curated by Nicole Löser/artMbassy Berlin.
The exhibitions will travel to Italy at the Studio d ́Arte Contemporanea, Rome in Spring
2009.
Opening at artMbassy gallery on friday, October 17th 2008 18-21
„TimeLines“
October 17 – November 11 2008
artMbassy Berlin
Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 7
Tuesday - Friday, 2 pm -7 pm
Saturday 11 am - 5pm
contact@artmbassy.com
http://www.artmbassy.com
„TimeZones”
October 18 –November 20 2008
Ketterer Kunst Berlin
Fasanenstr. 70, Berlin
Monday - Friday, 11am -7 pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm
infoberlin@kettererkunst.de
http://www.kettererkunst.de