Imagine stumbling upon an artist who challenges everything you thought you knew about photography. That’s Ria Wank for you—an incredible talent hailing from Berlin, Germany, who’s turning the world of photography upside down with her experimental approach.
Let me take you on a journey into Ria’s world of unbridled creativity. It all began in 2014, the year she was completing her studies in textile design. Her professors encouraged her to break free, experiment, and forge her own artistic path. And so, she did.
Initially armed with a tiny pink Diana mini camera, Ria ventured into the world of analogue photography. But here’s the twist—she wasn’t enamoured with the photos she took. Instead, she fell in love with the intricate patterns and vibrant colours she could create without ever capturing an image. So, she left the camera behind and embarked on a remarkable journey centred on the magic of film itself.
In those early days, Ria’s experiments revolved around an unexpected subject—the interaction between 35mm film and substances like medicine and drugs. She meticulously crafted controlled chemical reactions that transformed the fragile film into a canvas of breathtaking colours and intricate structures.
Fast forward to today, and these unconventional techniques are the beating heart of Ria’s work on photo paper. Imagine her as a conductor, choreographing a mesmerising dance between light and chemical reactions on light-sensitive surfaces. This isn’t just photography; it’s pure artistry.
What’s truly remarkable is that she doesn’t use a camera. Instead, she relies on techniques like “Lumengram,” a fusion of Lumenprint and Chemigram. Here’s the magic: Ria places objects like flowers, plants, or paper cutouts on light-sensitive paper and exposes them to sunlight for hours. She even welcomes the unpredictability of mixed weather, where cloudy, rainy, and sunny days all play their part in intensifying the colours and adding that extra layer of challenge to her art.
But the real wonder unfolds when Ria composes her Lumenprint. She carefully decides when and where the developer is allowed to weave its magic. It’s like an artist carefully etching their canvas, except she uses tape, foil, oil, or wax to reserve portions of the photo paper. And here’s the kicker—she can even tweak the developer’s thickness to gain more control over the process. The result? Art that defies photography’s norms and ventures into uncharted territory.
Here’s the twist: Ria’s work challenges the myth that analogue photography is harmful to the environment. She’s an advocate for alternative processes that utilize everyday components you’d find in your local grocery store. Think caffenol, beernol, or black-tea-nol—eco-friendly alternatives that not only create stunning images but also take care of our planet.
However, there’s a deeper layer to Ria’s narrative. She derives immense satisfaction from the inherent unpredictability of these artistic techniques. In a society fixated on maintaining rigid control, she revels in embracing the unforeseen and celebrating its role in her creative journey.
While this may have been a sentiment from the past, Ria’s current aspiration remains steadfast: to master the art of the unexpected. She believes that her ability to craft compositions and artworks is compromised when coincidence dictates her creative process. It is her ongoing mission to discover how to harness this creative chaos, enabling her to produce art of any scale using various analog mediums.
Camera-less photography allows her to create unique and beautiful artwork by simply letting things flow and waiting for that perfect moment to stop the process.
So, where does she find inspiration? It’s a diverse mix—fellow experimental artists she discovers through festivals, exhibitions, and Instagram. But it’s also the quiet moments—meditation, daydreaming, music, bike rides, and even playing her harp—that spark her creativity.
And what’s the message Ria wants to share through her artwork? It’s a lesson in the boundless possibilities of creativity. Learning a new technique isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning of crafting your own artistic language and creating something truly unique.
In Ria Wank’s world, photography isn’t just about capturing moments; it’s about creating moments that challenge norms and ignite the imagination. Her journey is a testament to the idea that art knows no bounds, and creativity thrives in the unexpected.