Platinum Printing Process Explained at Lecture

By Lindsay Cusworth

Photography is an art form that is constantly changing and adapting to new technology. In discovering new tricks with your digital camera, you just might be participating in some of the latest advancements in photography.

Thursday, Tom Wells, curator and photo archivist for the L. Tom Perry Special Collections department of the Harold B. Lee Library, will discuss the evolution of photography and the platinum printing process as artist William B. Post used it. The lecture is 7-8 p.m. at the Museum of Art auditorium.

Some might not realize the exhibit featuring Post''s prints, currently on display at the MOA, is the first exhibit honoring his contribution to photography since his death in 1921.

'Post, while he was a pioneer in the photographic world and at the forefront of his field, chose a retiring lifestyle,' said Lisa Horne, graduate student who helped set up the exhibit. 'For this reason his work has not been highlighted since his death in 1921, but today scholars have reaffirmed his vital role in the history of photography.'

It is a lengthy process choosing exhibits to be displayed at the MOA. Curators at the museum are constantly looking for available exhibits.

'Gallery space is like a jigsaw puzzle,' said Chris Wilson, marketing manager at the museum. 'We have to find ones we like and ones that fit.'

Some may wonder, 'Why the William B. Post exhibit?' The show actually corresponds with its neighboring exhibit, 'Paths to Impressionism,' as it shows the development of photography during the same time period.

'BYU was particularly interested in the exhibit as it provides an in-depth look at the pictorialist movement through the work of one individual,' Horne said.

Pictorialism attempted to categorize photography as a fine art by introducing simple compositions, soft focus effects and highly refined printmaking methods. It also included the use of platinum prints, Post''s favorite process. The prints are made from paper treated with light sensitive silver and platinum salts.

'They are exceptionally beautiful and possess outstanding depth, tone and detail.' Horne said. 'The image is permanent and remarkably archival. Today, platinum printing is reserved as a fine art process.'

The evolution of photography has changed dramatically over the last century. It is hard to imagine what might be discussed in lectures 100 years from now.