Photograms show a tribute to photography pioneer<\/p>\n
By Gotot Prakosa<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): A dormant cultural \"enclave\" on Jl. Tanjung No.
\n34, Menteng Central Jakarta called Wisma Lingkar Budaya has been
\nreactivated.<\/p>\n
Led by Toeti Haeraty, a prominent intellectual, the center is
\nnow provided with a preview room for film\/video programs and a
\ngallery for photography or fine arts exhibition.<\/p>\n
A unique photography called photogram is taking place at the
\ngallery until today (Thursday).<\/p>\n
Unlike the conventional photography, photogram does not use a
\ncamera to take pictures. The work is made by way of illuminating
\nthe object on the photo paper. The production process is similar
\nto that of the silk-screening. The difference in the medium used.<\/p>\n
The silk screening employs paint to form the images. In
\nphotogram, the images are formed by way of illuminating the
\nobjects Onto the photo paper and the illuminated part will be
\nscolded black when it is developed using chemicals. What is left
\non the paper is the silhouette of the illuminated objects.<\/p>\n
Depending on the light's penetrating power, the object on the
\npaper will create different black and white images of different
\ntones.<\/p>\n
For photogram makers, creating photos without a camera is a
\ngreat challenge. It will allow them to do experiments in the
\ndarkroom to create works worth exhibiting. They can create
\nphotograms that symbolize certain messages to express their ideas
\non social issues.<\/p>\n
Among the greatest photograms on display are our works by
\nAntonius Efendi. Every piece has different social messages.
\nTitled Ya...Ya...Ya..., Meooooong, Dua Kubu (Two Camps) and
\nTerkepung (Besieged), each sizing 50cm by 60cm, all the four use
\nelements available in daily life: a shred of mosquito net, satay
\nstick, condom, syringe and women's panties.<\/p>\n
Efendi means to raise the issues of sex, drugs and the tug of
\nwar between the status quo and reformist forces.<\/p>\n
While Nugraheni Pangestuti and Maya Sofia exert their painting
\nability to create visual elements and they printed the images on
\npaper.<\/p>\n
The works of Siti Wahyuni is rich in variety and well
\npresented. She features gentle, soft and hard elements for her
\nartworks. Her piece titled Tumbuh (Growing) and Kehidupan (Life)
\nis presented with four uniquely arranged frames.<\/p>\n
Most of the works of these students of photography is full of
\nsymbols, hints and icons.<\/p>\n
All works on exhibit are all exclusive and original because
\nthey cannot be duplicated. This is the basic difference between
\nphotogram and the conventional photography, which uses negatives
\nthat allows unlimited reproduction.<\/p>\n
Participants of the exhibition say that the event is in fact a
\ntribute for W.H. Fox Talbot, the man who in 1839 introduced the
\nfirst photo paper the Royal Society, London. Talbot called the
\npaper \"some account of the art of photogenic drawing\". He meant
\nthat the painter no longer needed a pencil to draw the natural
\nobjects on the paper.<\/p>\n
Talbot began his photography experiment by doing contact
\nprints that produced copies of leaves, bird feather and laces on
\nsilver nitrate and chloride applied on a piece of paper. After
\nBeing illuminated, the paper was dipped into the solution of
\nammonia mixed with potassium iodide.<\/p>\n
The spirit of the invention of the paper is worth remembering.
\nIt has greatly influenced graphic techniques in the course of the
\ndevelopment of fine arts. Now, in the turn of the 21st century,
\nthe art has become classic and challenging for further
\nexploration.<\/p>\n
Photogram is a portrait of honesty. Compare with the modern
\nphotography, which intricately develops along with digital
\nimaging technology. The advanced computer technology allows
\nunlimited creation.<\/p>\n
The artworks of the photography students are commendable as an
\neffort to pay tribute to Talbot's invention.<\/p>",
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