txt PALLADIOTYPES: 2004 ~ 2014 (English Edition)

Reflecting on my Platinum/Palladium era, this book is a comprehensive retrospective featuring a curated selection of photographs drawn from various bodies of work.

Platinum/palladium photography is a historic and alternative photographic printing process with roots dating back to the 19th century. Celebrated for its permanence, wide tonal range, and unique aesthetic qualities, this technique has withstood the evolution of photography into the digital age.

The pinnacle of alternative processes, the "Platinotype," was patented by William Willis in 1873, following experiments by photographers and scientists from around 1830. This pursuit emerged as photographers sought alternatives to traditional silver gelatin prints, aiming for exceptional archival stability and a broad tonal range. During World War I, the demand for platinum surged due to its role in explosives, prompting photographers to explore alternative processes, including gelatin silver. Although ready-coated platinum papers disappeared from the market, the process was rediscovered in the 1960s, reigniting interest in the "Platinotype" for its remarkable tonal range. Notable figures like Robert Mapplethorpe and Irving Penn have also explored this method.

The technique's distinct advantage lies in infusing finely divided platinum/palladium salts into the fibres of artist's paper, ensuring the longevity of the image matches the high-quality paper it is printed on. The platinum/palladium process is a meticulously slow print-by-contact method, requiring intense UV light and a negative matching the desired print size.

The process begins by sensitising artist's paper through brush-coating with a solution of ferric salts (UV light-sensitive) and chloroplatinite and/or chloropalladite salts. After drying, the paper is exposed to UV light in tight contact with the negative. Following development in a solution of potassium oxalate, ammonium citrate, or other platinum/palladium print-compatible developers, the photograph emerges, composed of platinum and/or palladium. This imparts a subtle tonality, ranging from a cold metallic sheen to a warm red tone, depending on the specific noble metals used and the temperature of the developer.

The unique qualities of platinum and palladium prints contribute to their allure, featuring a wide tonal scale, subtle gradations, and exquisite detail. The final images exhibit a matte surface, with metals embedded in the paper fibres for enhanced archival permanence.

One hallmark feature of platinum and palladium prints is their remarkable stability over time, known for their resistance to fading, discolouration, and deterioration. This longevity makes them highly sought after by collectors and institutions.

While platinum/palladium photography waned in popularity during the mid-20th century with the advent of quicker printing methods, there has been a resurgence of interest in alternative processes. Contemporary photographers have embraced platinum/palladium printing, reviving this timeless craft and exploring its creative potential.

In conclusion, platinum/palladium photography is a testament to the enduring allure of traditional photographic processes. In a digital-dominated world, this historic technique continues to captivate photographers and collectors, emphasising the significance of craftsmanship, permanence, and the pursuit of aesthetic excellence in the art of photography.