PUTNEY-NXT Gallery presents "Water: Shape and Time," an exhibition of Nick Ellison's palladiotypes - photographs created in a process that uses platinum. The exhibit runs Saturday, Nov. 16, through Feb. 9, 2025, with an opening reception Sunday, Nov. 17, from 3 to 5 p.m.
"Nick Ellison reminds us that time is a critical element of photography," gallery staff write in a news release. "From exposure to development to printing, each step in the process is defined by time." That time allows for physical, as well as chemical, processes.
Ellison draws attention in each photograph to change that is often overlooked by including an element of water to depict the passing of time. "He is trying to narrow the gaze, to focus in on these particulars, on how time changes our view of the environment, because it's happening incrementally, and we often don't have the time to notice." But if you pause, as a photograph asks you to do, say organizers, "you can see that the force and power of the water, just like time, offers change."
Ellison's palladiotypes are created using a process that dates back to the 19th century. A sheet of cotton rag paper is sensitized by hand-coating it with a mixture of ferric and palladium salts. When the coated paper has dried, the paper and a negative are sandwiched in a frame and exposed to ultraviolet light.
When the exposure is complete, the print is developed to complete the chemical reaction necessary to convert the palladium salts to palladium metal, which forms the image.
Since this process requires the use of ultraviolet light, enlarging is not possible, and large format negatives must be used. While it is possible to create negatives using digital methods, Ellison only uses large format film negatives as a way to stay true to this historical process and to create a deeper connection to his subjects without electronic intervention.
Ellison is a mechanical engineer and lives in Putney with his wife and daughter. He says his love of photography began in childhood. His interest grew into a passion that has led him to experiment with many different forms.
Around six years ago, he discovered film photography and historical printing processes created an escape from the ubiquity of electronics while also allowing him to create images that highlighted the beauty of nature.
NXT Gallery is located at 15 Kimball Hill in Putney. It is open during events and by appointment with the artist or by contacting Next Stage at info@nextstagearts.org or 802-451-0053.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.