Led by Gin Ro (Georgina Rodríguez Ayala), the course offers a practical exploration of two camera-less photographic techniques: anthotype and chlorophyll printing.
El taller Alquimia vegetal: lo que las plantas revelan propone una exploración práctica de dos técnicas fotográficas sin cámara: la antotipia y la impresión en clorofila. A partir del uso de pigmentos naturales y hojas fotosensibles, los participantes experimentarán la acción de la luz solar como agente formador de imagen.
El proyecto combina práctica técnica, observación del entorno natural y reflexión sobre la relación entre materia orgánica, tiempo y registro visual.
Durante las dos primeras sesiones se realizarán ejercicios de campo y laboratorio, mientras que la tercera estará dedicada a la revisión de resultados, análisis de los procesos de conservación y documentación de las obras.
METHODOLOGY
Session 1. Anthotypy and botanical exploration in La Peña Park. 29 January, 4–8 p.m.
Objective: To introduce the technical and conceptual fundamentals of anthotypy and conduct an expedition in Ibaieder de la Peña Park to identify and collect plant species with photosensitive potential.
Contents and activities:
- Presentation of the workshop, participants and general objectives.
- Theoretical introduction to anthotypy: historical background, optical and photographic principles.
- Botanical expedition in La Peña Park.
- Observation of plant species, identification of natural pigments.
- Ethical and responsible collection of flowers and leaves.
- Preparation of pigments: crushing, blending, filtering and obtaining dye extracts.
- Application to absorbent paper to create photosensitive surfaces.
- Assembly of compositions and initial exposure to sunlight.
* Comfortable walking shoes and clothing are recommended, as well as garden shears or an alternative cutting method.
Session 2. Chlorophyll printing: images on living leaves. 30 January, 4–8 p.m.
Objective: To apply the technique of direct printing on leaves, understanding the role of chlorophyll as a photosensitive substance and observing the factors that influence image formation.
Contents and activities:
- Technical introduction to chlorophyll printing: fundamentals, background and contemporary applications.
- Selection and preparation of suitable leaves (texture, size, moisture content).
- Preparation of negatives or templates on acetate or paper.
- Mounting the leaves with pressure frames or glass.
- Exposure to sunlight and observation of the changes produced during the process
*Participants must bring their own stationery, scissors, bags and paper folders for pressing.
Session 3. Results and conservation of photosensitive materials. 6 February, 5–8 p.m.
Objective: To analyse the results obtained in the anthotype and chlorophyll processes, evaluate the transformations that occurred during the week, and review strategies for the conservation, recording, and documentation of organic materials.
- Contents and activities:
- Presentation and comparative observation of the pieces produced.
- Evaluation of alteration factors: colour changes, humidity, sun exposure and temperature.
- Introduction to basic conservation techniques: storage, drying, digitisation and recording.
- Group discussion on the ephemeral nature of natural images and the temporality of photographic processes.
- Closing of the workshop with an exchange of learning, delivery of technical data sheets and recommendations.
*Participants are required to bring stationery, scissors, bags and paper folders for pressing.
Gin Ro (Georgina Rodríguez Ayala)
Ciudad de México, 1986
Artista visual cuya práctica explora los procesos de transformación de la identidad atravesados por contextos sociales, económicos e históricos, con una mirada crítica desde el pensamiento feminista decolonial. Su trabajo se entrelaza con la experimentación en técnicas manuales y materiales orgánicos.
Photo: Courtesy of Yone Estivariz
COURSE DETAILS
Title: Plant alchemy: what plants reveal
Taught by: Gin Ro (Georgina Rodríguez Ayala)
Location: BilbaoArte (Urazurrutia, 32). Plato and 1st floor for theoretical part
Dates: 29-30 January (theoretical part), 6 February (results)
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Places: 12 people
Price: €100 (general rate) – €50 (reduced rate for artists and BilbaoArte users)
Aimed at: students and artists with basic knowledge of photography who are interested in expanding and perfecting their practical skills in the application of alternative photographic techniques.
Registration deadline: 23 January
How to register: Via bilbaoarte@bilbao.eus (indicating in the subject line: plant alchemy course). To register, please complete the registration form and attach a brief CV, dossier and three grayscale images to work on in the workshop. The artist herself will make the selection if the number of places is exceeded.