EXPOSURES – Kristian Jalava
Exposure means coming under the influence of an external factor such as radiation, a chemical or another pathogen. Kristian Jalava’s Altistuksia – Exposures is a treatise on the materiality of an analog photograph and the means of recording an optical trace on a light-sensitive surface. In the exhibition, the analog photographic process parallels the bodily event of exposure: photographic paper, like the human body, is exposed to the effects of external factors. Light pollution, developers, humidity, heat and touch – all leave their mark on photographic material.
The works in the exhibition are non-representative surfaces that reflect the artist’s personal experiences of exposure and sensitization. The influence of foreign conditions on the photographic process is visible at the impression – it emerges in the methods, materials and themes. In the experimental photo process, Jalava investigates the porous surface that separates the external and internal space, approaching the methods of printmaking and its means of leaving a mark. In exposing the works, Jalava uses pinhole compositions and cameraless exposure methods. As a matrix for contact prints Jalava uses vapor barrier paper with an aluminum surface, the usual purpose of which is to isolate moisture from house structures. The mark etched on the aluminum paper resembles a growth of mold at the interface between the built space and the natural space.
The key active ingredient in industrial developers is hydroquinone isolated from petroleum, which occurs naturally in plants containing arbutin. The properties of plants as co-factors in the photochemical process enable the production of ecologically sustainable developer materials. In the exhibition Altistuksia – Exposures, a silver gelatin print developed with a mixture made from extracted leather bergenia leaves, soda and vitamin-c refers to the toxic heritage of the analog photographic process.
Through organic photographic materials, Jalava explores the issues of control and relinquish. In large-sized works, Jalava uses fiber-based photo paper, which binds moisture and expands during processing. As the paper dries, it tends to shrink back to its original shape and begins to curl. Framing the works is a struggle against natural forces: during drying, the paper is forced straight and it can tear due to its own traction.
Kristian Jalava is a visual artist from Turku who works with the means of experimental photography with an attitude that dismantles the camera apparatus. Recurring themes in his works include the materiality and spatiality of an analog photograph, as well as various time-related topics, such as permanence and slow time. Jalava graduated with a master’s degree in visual arts from the Academy of Fine Arts (MFA), and a master’s degree in art from Aalto University (MA). Jalava’s works have been presented, e.g. in the Wäinö Aaltonen museum, Photographic Center Nykyaika, Gallery Huuto and Gallery Seek, Tallinn. He has created a public artwork for the new building of the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki and worked as a regional artist in the Finland Proper region.
Kristian Jalava’s work and exhibition have been supported by the Art Promotion Center (Taike) and the Finnish Cultural Fund (SKR).
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