Old Process / New Artist

Cyanotype
Cyanotypes are the longest lasting photography and was invented in 1840 by Sir John Herschel. In order to make a cyanotype, you place objects on light sensitive paper and let the sunlight expose them. This was an easy and an amateur way of creating photographs. Engineers and architects used this method to create blue prints and drawings. Anna Atkins used this technique to record scientific data on botanical specimens in the the mid 1800's.

More recently, people are making cyanotypes contemporary by creating their own twist and experiements with the old process. People think that the limitations and control are interesting in cyanotypes and instead of letting the technique disapear they are bringing back old ways and making them their own. Instead of using cyanotypes to make blue prints, or for scientific research, Mr. Marclay treated and exposed the image at different times to create darker and lighter sections to show his own artistic aesthetic. Annie Lopez is figuring out ways to print on clothing with the cyanotype technique to "'sew [her] troubles into a dress'" instead of onto paper. Just like in the mid 1800's, there are new inventors exploring the opportunities through cyanotypes.

AlternativePhotography   Posted in History of alt. proc. “Cyanotype history – John Herschel’s invention.” AlternativePhotography.com, 9 Apr. 2017, www.alternativephotography.com/cyanotype-history-john-herschels-invention/. Accessed 13 Sept. 2017.

Falconer, John. “Historic Photographs.” Photographic Processes, The British Library, 7 Mar. 2007, www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/features/photographicproject/photographicprocesses.html. Accessed 13 Sept. 2017.