In “A Grain of Salt” Karel Doing (London / UK) experiments with chemical reaction traces on film layers using salt, water and caffeine-based developer solution.
Born 1965 in Canberra (AUS) the artist Karel Doing (London/UK) sees himself mainly as a filmmaker in the tradition of experimental film. He works as well in the field of performances and installations.
In this exhibition filmmaker Karel Doing investigates the possibilities of making chemical imprints on photographic emulsion with the aid of salt, water and caffeine based developer. This idea springs from a practice of working with discarded film material. In a time where the chemical image is disappearing fast and is replaced by digital techniques this is not just a nostalgic position.
Film emulsion is a combination of organic and chemical-industrial inorganic materials, and offers a tactile surface to be worked on. It contains many possible analogies to our own bodies; absorbing light and fluids and aging and deteriorating over time. Simultaneously it is connected to optical and mechanical devices like lenses and projectors. The transparency and familiarity of these devices and techniques offer a radically different experience then the closed and alien nature of many digital synonyms. In a society that rapidly develops towards a system in which communication primarily takes place through digital simulation, the analogue is not merely outmoded but becomes subversive.
Material for the exhibition
- Invitation
- Press Release (in German)
- Exhibition Publication
