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Alves Plates

Still life art has a rich history and diverse approaches, characterized by the emphasis on composition, texture, and light and it continues to be a vibrant genre. Contemporary artists experiment with new media and themes, incorporating photography, digital art, and installation, often challenging traditional boundaries and interpretations of still life.

Lippmann ancient, complex but brilliant method has been rediscovered by contemporary artists. Lippmann artworks have a distinctive look due to the interference patterns recorded in the plate which could reproduce realistic and vibrant colors. At the same time,  the nanometric grain emulsion allows for very high resolution, capturing intricate details of the subject. This give to the photographs a unique depth and richness, joined to a fascinating glimpse into the early techniques of color photography and the scientific artistry of Gabriel Lippmann,  Nobel laureate in physics in 1908.

 

Basket of Fruit (2009)                                            

       Potato Plants and Tomatoes (2009)                   


Photo Credit: Filipe Alves

In this  contemporary still life Lippmann artworks, Filipe Alves employs the rare and intricate albumen variant of Lippmann photography, a historical method that substitutes gelatin with albumen. This technique harnesses the reflection between the emulsion and air to generate a standing wave in the plate, creating a dichroic mirror that reproduces the recorded image's colors with stunning accuracy when properly illuminated.

 

Medium: Albumen Lippmann Plate 6x6 cm mounted on a wedge prism

 

https://www.lippmannphotography.com/About-me

Artist Biography

Filipe Alves (*1979), an artist and scientist based in Lisbon, is a modern pioneer in the revival of Gabriel Lippmann's interferential color photography, a technique that garnered Lippmann the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1908. Alves, potentially the sole practitioner of the albumen variant today, brings a unique blend of intense curiosity, relentless dedication, and a passion for overcoming complex challenges to his work. For over a decade, Alves has dedicated his free time to mastering this demanding and scarcely documented process, effectively rediscovering its nuances through relentless experimentation.

Alves has showcased his work in several prestigious exhibitions, including "Slow Color Photography: Richard Neuhauss and Hans Lehmann’s Images" at the Preus Museum: Norway’s National Museum of Photography, and the Gabriel Lippmann exhibition at the Musée de l'Elysée in Lausanne. His fascination with light interference and his background in holography and historical photographic methods have deeply influenced his approach. Despite the inherent difficulties and frequent setbacks, Alves's commitment to this craft showcases his resilience and innovative spirit.

Alves's still life compositions originate from his relentless exploration and enthusiasm for the creative process. He carefully selects elements that resonate with his artistic vision, transforming mundane scenes into captivating visual narratives. His work delves into the intricate possibilities of the albumen Lippmann process, forging a connection between historical photographic techniques and modern artistic innovation.

Ultimo aggiornamento

23.05.2024

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