About Gilles Lorin

BEYOND THE IMAGE : THE PHOTOGRAPHIC OBJECT

Photography, with its rich history and diverse array of processes, stands as an incredible medium for artistic expression, offering endless possibilities for creativity and exploration. Each process may have its own unique set of challenges and rewards, but what I am primarily interested is the unique atmosphere each medium offers, and which allows me to express my vision and explore the world around me.

My work consists in exploring the intersection of traditional artisanry and contemporary photographic techniques to create tangible works of art that transcend the boundaries of conventional photography. By incorporating metals, papers, and other supports, I aim to instil my work with a sense of depth and tactile presence that cannot be achieved through digital alone.

The use of precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium add a luminous quality, creating subtle variations in light and shadow that evolve with the viewer's perspective. These metals not only enhance the visual appeal of the artwork, but also challenge the notion of photography as a purely two-dimensional medium and invite to reconsider the possibilities of photographic art in the realm of tangible, tactile three-dimensional works.

In our digital age, where the immediacy and convenience of modern technology often overshadow the tactile and tangible qualities of traditional processes, I find myself drawn to the simplicity and purity of early photography. There is a certain magic in the alchemy of metals and light, a sense of wonder in watching an image slowly emerging, born from the interaction of both raw organic and inorganic materials produced by nature itself. But also, by embracing both analogue and digital techniques, I aim to create works that speak of the past, present, and future of photography, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.

Ultimately, I see a rich language with endless possibilities.