Written by Zack MacRae
Around 150 years ago, a guy named Charles Darwin came up with a crazy idea about the origin of species that is now widely known, and not so widely accepted, as the evolutionary theory. In it, Darwin explains gradual evolution of species as a kind of survival of the fittest.
In many ways, technology is perpetuating this notion. Point in case: when was the last time you watched a movie on VHS, or saved a word document on a floppy disk? Much like a species of animal with some genetic deficiency, more sleek and sexy forms have replaced these bulky vessels of multimedia.
In the same way, digital photography has forced Kodachrome film to go the way of the Dodo in the last year. Kodachrome is a type of colour reversal film that was trademarked and made by Kodak from 1935 to 2009.
Mama, Don’t Take My Kodachrome Away, is a collaborative photo show put on by the students of the Photo III class here at the University of Guelph that takes place from Jan. 25-29. The exhibit marks the first time many of the artists involved have shown colour photography in a gallery setting. Keeping this in mind, the exhibit offers a feel of the rich colours and textures that Kodachrome is known for. The variation between the artists’ works provides the viewer with an idea of just how flexible the film can be.
Dan Frawley, a student in Photo III challenges Darwin’s theory of evolution, metaphorically of course by using film: “Using film is a very physical process – from the ways you handle the film, to playing with the enlarger, and blocking the light when you expose the paper … the process of blocking light (known as burning and dodging) often requires you to cup your hands or make them into playful shapes to lighten or darken areas,” he said.
Frawley’s work, “Following a North Star,” appears in the corner of the gallery and wraps the viewer up into an adventure where the North Star is a reference point. Frawley’s work takes the viewer on a metaphysical trip following the North Star to different, seemingly familiar destinations.
“In the work,” said Frawley, “over a couple nights I was trying to follow the North Star to find different perspectives on everyday places and objects.”
Another interesting piece in the gallery space that the eye is immediately drawn toward is Emily MacDonald’s work. With her piece, MacDonald challenges the ideas of conventional photography by exploring the possibilities of photography without film. MacDonald neglected to use film or an enlarger and instead laid out photo paper on the floor of the darkroom and used glow sticks to record light onto the paper.
For Frawley, developing colour film and printing in a darkroom engages the entire body: “From the beginning to the end your body is interacting with objects … I feel more engaged with my work because of this physical connection.”
The closing reception for Mama, Don’t Take My Kodachrome Away is on Jan. 28 from 7-10pm.