Ellen Carey's artistic journey is a captivating exploration of light, photography, and the interplay of historical processes. Her work, aptly titled 'Ellen's Hand & Talbot's Curve', delves into the essence of 21st-century photography, blending ancient and modern techniques. The concept is born from a simple yet profound question: 'What is a 21st-century photograph?'
Carey's answer lies in the fusion of 19th-century photogram techniques with 20th-century Polaroid instant technology. This unique approach opens a door to endless possibilities. The photogram, an ancient method of creating images using light, dates back to the dawn of photography, where the word itself, 'photography,' translates to 'drawing with light' in Greek. Initially known as 'photogenic drawing' or 'sun pictures,' it later evolved into 'photogram.'
The artist's name, Ellen, carries a profound meaning in Irish, Celtic, and Gaelic, signifying 'light' or 'bringer of light.' This name, given by her parents, seems prophetic, especially considering her DNA's intertwining with the destiny of a 'light traveler' and 'camera operator,' an early term for photographers. This connection to light and its manipulation is a recurring theme in her work.
'Struck by Light' (1988-2025) encapsulates her photogram practice, which produces unique, black-and-white, and color images. The color sensitivity is so high that she works in a completely dark 'light-tight' darkroom, only exposing the light when needed. In this process, sight is replaced by touch, and her imagination takes center stage as she interprets Talbot's curve through paper folding.
Talbot's work, including his famous photograph of a hand, serves as a historical reference. His mathematical equation, Talbot's curve, adds depth and context to Carey's color photogram project. By employing the Dada and Surrealist movement's parlor game, 'exquisite corpse,' Carey creates a pitch-black starting point, where she folds the color paper to imagine Talbot's curve, blending the subconscious with new creative paths.
'Ellen's Hand & Talbot's Curve' acts as a 'linked ring,' connecting Talbot's photograms and the intersection of art, technology, science, and mathematics. The artist's hand, a symbol of the 'self' and the history of image-makers, frames the 'hand' in photography while acknowledging the invisible labor of this medium. This piece links her color photographic experiments with process, minimalism, abstraction, and light, often with zero exposure, bridging her twin practices in Polaroid 20 X 24 and photogram.
The title, 'Ellen's Hand & Talbot's Curve,' pays homage to the pioneers of photography, all 'light travelers,' who contribute to a global picture culture. The phrase 'See What Develops...!' encapsulates this new series, celebrating the processes from the 19th century to the present in a collection of 21st-century photo-objects. This work is a testament to Carey's unique vision and her ability to weave together ancient and modern techniques, creating a captivating and thought-provoking artistic narrative.
For more information, visit www.ellencareyphotography.com.
