Making Contact

The Halide Project is proud to present Making Contact, an exhibition showcasing the traditional photographic arts, which encompass processes and techniques in existence prior to the advent of digital photography. 

Since photography’s inception in the early 1800s, numerous processes involving a wide variety of chemicals have been developed in order to allow photographers a wider degree of creative control over their image-making.  Very early on, techniques were created to address issues of archival stability, to increase tonal range, and to introduce a color or tone into an otherwise black and white print.  In the 1900s, earlier techniques were fine-tuned, experiencing ebbs and flows of popularity as photography fought to earn a place in the world of fine art.  Film cameras became more widely available, and smaller sized film was introduced, allowing increased accessibility to non-professionals.  A technological break-through in the mid 20th Century allowed for the creation of film and paper that rendered realistic color.  In the 1970s, with the Museum of Modern Art in New York leading the way, photography finally was embraced as a fine art.  

Despite the proliferation of digital imagery today, a great many fine art photographers continue to work in traditional photographic media.  For each, it is a personal decision, based on image quality, aesthetics, and work-flow preferences.

Making Contact includes photographic work by five artists working in different traditional media and serves to exemplify the creative breadth possible under the umbrella of traditional photography.  Historic processes – such as salt printing and platinum/palladium – share wall space with the more modern C-print.  Abstract imagery can be found alongside very literal and representational works.  These photographs work together to form a conversation about the boundless possibilities for creative expression that exist within the traditional photographic arts.     

It is our hope that viewers are inspired by what they see, endeavor to learn more about traditional photography, and maybe even pick up a film camera!