In my series, Reflection, the thematic exploration is twofold. Firstly, it manifests through the artistic technique itself. In the realm of gelatin silver printing, the intricate interplay of light reflecting in the silver halides is a fundamental element in achieving the vivid allure of the photographs. Each gelatin silver print, meticulously crafted and adorned with gold toning, possesses a reflective quality that distinguishes it from pigment inkjet prints. Conversely, the concept of Reflection resonates as the thematic core of the series. This body of work delves into my ongoing quest for personal enlightenment, entwined with the cartography of places across the globe that hold sacred or holy significance. The photographs within the series encapsulate moments captured in revered locations spanning India, Nepal, China, and Tibet.
Reflection emerges as an artistic convergence, weaving together the reflective technical nuances of gelatin silver printing with the profound thematic contemplation of sacred spaces. This synthesis generates a narrative that invites viewers to traverse the reflective surfaces of the photographs, guiding them on a visual pilgrimage through culturally rich and spiritually significant landscapes. The series becomes a visual journey that encapsulates the nature of analogue photography and the immersive exploration of sacred geography, inviting contemplation on the connections between technique, subject matter, and the profound essence of human spirituality.
Katri Lassila (b. 1979) is an acclaimed visual artist and a Doctor of Arts from Aalto University, Finland. Since her first solo exhibition in 1999, she has actively exhibited in Finland and abroad. Her expertise lies in fine art silver gelatin prints, characterised by technical precision and profound tonal depth. She instructs darkroom courses at Aalto University, the Finnish Museum of Photography, and the Finnish Darkroom Association, where she is the president and founding member.
Over the past decade, Katri has expanded into diverse artistic domains, including moving images, painting and alternative photography. While merging these with analogue techniques, her art centralises landscapes and posthumanist perspectives. She portrays a world where landscapes and entities engage in a symphony of agency beyond conventional bounds.
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