gabriela baginski at image works
Lumens
Gabriela Baginski is a photographer who fell in love with the analog process in the darkroom. Lumen printing is a cameraless process that involves the sun, photographic paper, and organic matter. Baginski took to using plants, fruits, and vegetables to examine the relationships between the emulsion and sun. After exposure, the image was scanned and a digital life was born. Manipulating the image and reflecting on Baginski's relationship with how something tangible can be easily altered.
Cucumber’s floating abstract cells on an opaque, flat black background read like a distant shot from deep space. The brighter, more focused shapes sit on top of the nebulous muted ones creating dimension. Their quiet, gentle dance is infinitely calming.
Kiwi is more organized, intentionally symmetrical and somewhat static. The slices of fruit are captured in a moment where they seem to be sinking together to the bottom of a glass of water. The soft lavender lightens while accentuating the darker patterning.
Leaf Flower reminds of Laurie Tennent’s work—which is huge compliment—with one flower set on a black background. This presentation focuses the subject and emphasizes intricate natural patterns.
Baginski’s process makes these prints more than mere photographs. She’s manipulated these images to create interesting yet calming visuals while employing a Georgia O’Keeffe-style attention to the tiniest of details. They appear simple, but that’s the mark of an artist who knows what they’re doing. Sorta like an Olympic ice skater who makes a triple toe look so easy you strike out onto the ice to grace and glory and promptly land on your fanny. Don’t try this at home.
Image Works has completed its renovations and presents a new exhibition space in the building’s windowed façade. The bright, open space is perfect for highlighting smaller exhibitions or a one-person show that can be viewed 24/7. Best of luck to Chris Bennett in his new Dearborn space.
On view through January 28th at Image Works 13306 Michigan Ave Dearborn
*images courtesy of Image Works
direct quote from artist statement
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND
Thank you for covering this "off the grid" exhibit, Gabriela has been proselytizing alternative approaches to photography for years, it's nice to see it materialize in such a mature mindful form. Image Works is "the" (IMO) go to place for high quality photographic printing