The words of the celebrated photographer Ansel Adams “You don’t take a photograph, you make it” are given new meaning when applied to the work of Garry Fabian Miller. Miller is one of a small band of international photographers who have come to prominence over the past 20 years for their investigations in to the possibilities of camera-less photography (in essence, the interaction of light and light-sensitive paper). Looking back at pioneers of photographic experiment in the 1830’s and ‘40’s and to early 20th century artists such as László Moholy-Nagy and Man Ray, Miller has created his own visual language producing unique, one-off prints that condense light and colour into spectacular images.
However, the delicate balance between the art and science of these methods has come into clear focus in the past few years as the all important raw material - light sensitive Cibachrome paper - has come under threat from the digital age. Artists such as Miller have had to stockpile materials and re-think their practice as the manufacturers of their precious paper go to the wall. Miller is now feeling his way forward and building a bridge into a new and principally digital world.
The resulting work suggests an evolutionary moment, sharing the values of historical knowledge with the potential of the future. They are remarkable photographs, embracing the possibilities of pure, liquid colour. These photographs are shown here for the first time here at Ingleby Gallery and in Autumn 2010 will take their place in Shadow Catchers, a major survey of camera-less photography at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
This exhibition celebrates Miller’s newest work and also includes a selection of small-scale works from the Year One and the Year Two series.
