RA4

In this series, Bernarda Conič utilizes a chemical process called RA4 to create photographic prints from analog film in the darkroom. She experiments with colored lights and chemicals, treating photographic paper coated with a light-sensitive chemical formula as her canvas. Through this project, Bernarda aims to blur the boundaries between realism (photography) and abstraction (painting).

In this captivating series, Bernarda Conič masterfully employs a chemical process known as RA4 to create stunning photographic prints from analog film in the darkroom. Her work epitomizes the fusion of fine art photography and experimental photography, pushing the boundaries of traditional photographic techniques. By experimenting with colored lights and chemicals, Bernarda transforms photographic paper, coated with a light-sensitive chemical formula, into her canvas. This innovative approach, often referred to as painting with light, allows her to produce vivid and evocative images that bridge the gap between realism and abstraction.

Bernarda’s use of RA4 processing is central to her creative process. This technique, typically used in color photographic printing, involves developing color prints from negatives through a series of chemical baths. In the hands of Bernarda, RA4 processing becomes a tool for artistic expression, enabling her to manipulate color and light in ways that transcend conventional photography. Her meticulous darkroom processing techniques highlight the tactile and hands-on nature of analog color photography processing, where each print is a unique work of art, painstakingly crafted to achieve the desired effect.

The essence of Bernarda’s work lies in her ability to blur the boundaries between the tangible world captured by the camera and the abstract realms typically associated with painting. By incorporating experimental photography techniques, she creates images that challenge the viewer’s perception, inviting them to explore the interplay of light, color, and form. The resulting photographs are not mere representations of reality but dynamic compositions that evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation.

In this series, Bernarda’s exploration of analog color photography processing is both a homage to traditional photographic methods and a bold step into uncharted artistic territory. Her use of colored lights in the darkroom allows her to infuse her prints with a painterly quality, creating a harmonious blend of photographic precision and abstract creativity. This process, often referred to as painting with light, involves carefully directing beams of colored light onto the photographic paper during exposure, resulting in intricate patterns and gradients that add depth and complexity to the images.

Bernarda Conič’s work exemplifies the transformative potential of fine art photography. By leveraging the chemical intricacies of RA4 processing and the tactile engagement of darkroom techniques, she crafts images that are as much about the process as they are about the final product. Her series invites viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each photograph, from the careful handling of analog film to the nuanced application of light and color.

Through this innovative project, Bernarda aims to redefine the relationship between realism and abstraction in photography. Her photographs, born from the alchemy of light and chemicals, stand as a testament to the endless possibilities of experimental photography. They challenge conventional notions of what photography can be, offering a fresh perspective on the medium’s artistic potential. Bernarda Conič’s series is not just a visual feast but an intellectual exploration of the boundaries of photographic art, urging viewers to see beyond the surface and delve into the rich, intricate world of analog photography.