SILVER PARTICLES

I discovered the art of photography through my journey to become an architect. I noticed so many fascinating aspects about cities, spaces, buildings, and play of light that I felt the need to share these observations with those around me. It’s been almost two years since I’ve been developing photography as my primary passion, practicing whenever time allows. Lately, I’ve explored various niche; such as macro, natural landscapes, and urban photograph trying to define my path. However, I find myself drawn to all subcategories without one becoming predominant. I predominantly use analog photography with 35mm film, and from day one, I’ve preferred black and white film. I emphasize its qualities by highlighting grain, contrast, and the imperfections that arise during chimic processing, aiming to showcase the authenticity and natural essence of this type of photography. Aside from photography, I’m a student of architecture at the University of Architecture and Urbanism “Ion Mincu.” I’ll be working on my diploma project next academic year. Additionally, I teach Art History at Liceul Greco-Catolic “Timotei Cipariu” in Bucharest, where I use my knowledge to encourage my students to develop their artistic abilities.

The project is titled “SILVER PARTICLES and is inspired by the predominant type of photography I use: film photography. The characteristics of the film strip and the chemical processes that occur during development cause the images to be embedded on this film. I primarily work with 35mm black and white film, which, like any other film used in analog photography, consists of silver particles embedded in a thin gelatin layer on a plastic support surface. When these particles come into contact with light, they disperse and aggregate into more or less luminous points, outlining the captured photograph. The selected images thus reveal some of these common characteristics, visible through the presence of grain, minor defects, and the exposure method. Other features are conveyed through techniques and compositions, aiming to convey a message or emotion using light, shadow, present forms, and the contrast between them. In all the selected photographs, I strive to use elements that generate multiple planes and layers. One role of these elements is to cover the subject and frame it within a border, creating a “white space” that emphasizes it with a strong contour. Another role is to present the discovered urban landscape, atmosphere, and abstract forms as if they were on a canvas from a romantic painting. Often, these images capture architectural scenes, silhouettes, and everyday actions that depict specific human situations such as contemplation, socialization, or simply being present in the world.