Led by Gin Ro (Georgina Rodríguez Ayala), the course offers a practical exploration of two camera-less photographic techniques: anthotype and chlorophyll printing.
The workshop Plant Alchemy: What Plants Reveal offers a practical exploration of two camera-less photographic techniques: anthotypy and chlorophyll printing. Using natural pigments and photosensitive leaves, participants will experiment with the action of sunlight as an image-forming agent.
The project combines technical practice, observation of the natural environment, and reflection on the relationship between organic matter, time, and visual recording.
The first two sessions will consist of field and laboratory exercises, while the third will be devoted to reviewing results, analysing conservation processes, and documenting the works.
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
The registration fee is €150. There is a 50% discount for current BilbaoArte users. It is free for artists currently in residence at BilbaoArte.
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.