Frank Lopez • Manifestation of Light and Energy

FROM THE PROJECT STATEMENT • This project is an exploration in Buddhism, and the chemical transformation of expired silver gelatin prints. From the caves of Lascaux to digital icons, humans have delved into meaning from gestural drawings, symbols, and forms. The physical transformation allows expression that becomes a personal and meditative experience. As with Buddhist principals, I interpret the growth of self in an arch of a life – from recurrence of life, birth, community, to isolation, death, and rejuvenation. The analogy of abstract patterns opens the viewer to personal interpretations, all the while, allowing the interactions of chemical reactions upon the silver gelatin print to produce an ethereal experience.

The meditative and interpretative practice of Chromo is a rhythmic response to the natural state of imperfection. More specific, it is my way of shifting the act of seeing into subjects that are interpretations of light, time, energy, and my conscious and unconscious awareness. It is through this meditative breathing tradition that the acceptance of natural imperfection is reflected in nature and self, revealing that the language of abstraction is truly a global human practice.

These chemical reaction images are created on fiber-based paper using Chromoskedasic chemicals, developers, toners, and time. Renamed Chromo Halide Lift (or simply, Chromo), the mirror-like surface of the silver gelatin print is reminiscent of daguerreotypes in that they are impossible to digitally capture and are best experienced in person.