MAGDA KUCA | WET  COLLODION & ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

WORKSHOPS-GROUP DATES

Vouchers for workshops & wet plate photoshoots
Nov
26
to 1 Jan

Vouchers for workshops & wet plate photoshoots

Get vouchers for wet plate photoshoots, workshops and one to one sessions you can gift to your loved ones this festive season.

*Voucher link with downloadable pdf will be found at the checkout-payment confirmation page. You can download it, fill it up and send to the recipient/print as A4

WORKSHOPS

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Nov
30
11:00 am11:00

Collodion Open Studio-Your portrait

Wet Plate Tester Session: Collodion open studio & your portrait

Join me at my Earls Court studio for a wet plate portrait open studio and have your portrait taken using this silver and light. Its an opportunity to have your portrait taken at material’s cost & getting to know my practise. On first come first served basics you can sit for a single 30 min portrait on tin 5x7 inch.

Come from between 11-6 pm and have your portrait taken.

You can book in here to confirm your spot- only 12 places available.

Walk ins will be available on the day-subject to availability- email kucamagda@gmail.com

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Wet Collodion Basics Group Workshop
Dec
14
11:00 am11:00

Wet Collodion Basics Group Workshop

This one-day 6h workshop is an an introduction to wet plate collodion- a historical process using silver and light to obtain a unique images on the glass plate.

LEVEL

This is a beginner wet plate session.

WORKSHOP AGENDA

1. Health & Safety Information

2. Information on wet-plate darkroom equipment-studio work and field work

3. Preparation of chemistry-glass cleaning agent, cadmium-free salted collodion, silver bath, developer , standard fixer. Note on maturing and shelf-life of chemistry

4. Introduction to large format camera and collodion plate holders.

5. Collodion studio lighting set-up and notes on exposure measuring methods

6. Plate preparation and glass cleaning methods including troubleshooting.

7. Creating wet plate portraits/still life (it will be up to you, you are welcome to bring any objects you would like to use) .

8. Varnishing and various varnish types

9. Troubleshooting tips

WHAT YOU GET

You’ll gain the basic understanding of the process and opportunity to create 2 plates start to finish-using still life or taking self portraits. Keeping groups small-up to 4 participants-allows for more personalised experience.

LOCATION

Workshops will take place in my studio space in West London, Earls Court.

Make sure to bring comfortable darkroom clothes as they may get stained !

T&C

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Kirlian Electrophotography workshop
Oct
19
11:00 am11:00

Kirlian Electrophotography workshop

Kirlian Photography is a contact printing technique using high voltage to obtain images on photographic paper or film, capturing the phenomenon of electrical coronal discharges.It is named after Semyon Kirlian, who in 1939 accidentally discovered that if an object on a photographic plate is subjected to a strong electric field, an image is created on the plate.

Kirlian made controversial claims that his method referred to supernatural auras-Kirlian promoted the idea that the resulting images of living objects were a physical proof of the life force or aura which allegedly surrounds all living beings. This claim was said to be supported by experiments by the Kirlians that involved cutting part of a leaf off - the Kirlian images of such leaves, it was said, still showed the leaves as whole, as though the cutting had never happened.

During this 3 h extended session you are welcomed to bring a variety of objects to create multiple contact prints which will be scanned at the end of the session.


LOCATION

Workshops will take place in my studio space in West London, Earls Court.

Make sure to bring comfortable darkroom clothes as they may get stained !

T&C

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Book Launch 23rd May: Tales by Magda Kuca
May
23
5:00 pm17:00

Book Launch 23rd May: Tales by Magda Kuca

Press release:

Tales is the first book by Magda Kuca comprising a decade worth of work concerned with eastern European identity and storytelling, examining the relationship between the supernatural and folklore. By working hands-on with historic photographic processes such as wet collodion, Kuca’s work explores narratives around craft and materiality of photographic medium. Book invites the viewer to slow down and embark on a journey through the author's family history by incorporating portraiture of her grandmother juxtaposed with customs and traditions long forgotten. Hand printed and hand bound by Lee Elkins , Tales stands as a poignant and intimate dialogue with the modern era's relentless surge of visual content, reminiscent of the slow photography movement. Kuca's dedication to traditional methods invites readers to takea step back and reflect on one's own heritage.


BOOK INFO

Publisher: Lost Light Recordings

Foreword:  Martin Barnes, senior curator of photography V&A 

180x240mm, Limited edition of 100 copies. First 3 copies are special edition 

Hardback and hand bound







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PV 16th May 6pm SYMBIOSIS II Exhibition at Four Corners Gallery, Bethnal Green, London
May
16
to 18 May

PV 16th May 6pm SYMBIOSIS II Exhibition at Four Corners Gallery, Bethnal Green, London

An exhibition organised by London Alternative Photography Collective  at Four Corners Gallery - curated by Hayley Harrison, Melanie King, and Ky Lewis

Private View: Thursday 16th May 2024 18.00 - 20.30. Photo-scanner synth demo by Hack Modular.

Exhibition Open: Wed 15th May - Saturday 18th May 2024 11.00 -18.00.

Four Corners: 121 Roman Road, Bethnal Green, London, E2 0QN

Symbiosis’ is a group exhibition exploring the relationship between image makers, the more-than-human, and alternative photographic processes.

When working with analogue and alternative photographic processes, light, water, and botanicals are harvested to expose, process, tone and transform work. During this transformation, there is dependency on non-human elements.

This exhibition considers the connections between symbiosis and alternative photography, and asks if nature is a collaborator or a commodity in alternative photography processes.

What does it mean to be in relationship with a landscape or a plant for extended periods of time – to witness the interplay between individual species within their ecosystems? What is the role of artistic testimony when witnessing symbiosis within these relationships?

Whether by process or theme, this exhibition documents interspecies relationships – including those between humans and non-humans. Photographic and momentary, they are mid-relationship – we can only guess the before and after.

How do we bear witness to symbiotic relationships between different species, alongside our responsibility to acknowledge that the true definition of symbiosis is both parasitic and mutualistic? Much like alternative photographic processes, balance and equilibrium are essential to symbiosis.

During the exhibition opening there will be a photo-scanner synth demo by Hack Modular. The synthesizer module generates sound by rapidly scanning lines across photographs. Variations between dark and light translate directly to the movement of the speaker. Slides therefore are wavetables and contain a unique set of sounds. Moving the transparency across the linear photo-scanner shifts the timbre of the sound. Scan rate equates to pitch. Lamp intensity controls dynamics.

Artists:

Aindreas Scholz / Anna Kroeger / Anna Luk / Anna Lukala / Catriona Gray / Constanza Isaza Martinez / Ed Sykes / Eileen White / Eric Fong / Hayley Harrison / Heloise Bergman / Inga Tillere / Jacqui Barrowcliffe / Katrina Stamatopoulos / Ky Lewis / Laura Hindmarsh / Leanne Wiggers / Luca Ortis / Magda Kuca / Martha Gray / Megan Ringrose / Melanie King / Milena Michalski / Nettie Edwards / Paeony Lewis / Riya Panwar / Roellof Bakker / Sayako Sugawara / Sophie Sherwood / Vikki Rutter / Yasuaki Matsumoto / Zara Carpenter

Poster Image: Riya Panwar

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Cyanotype Basics Group Workshop
Mar
23
11:00 am11:00

Cyanotype Basics Group Workshop

Learn how to approach cyanotype-one of the first photographic printmaking process discovered in 1842 using watercolor paper, cyanotype paint and light to beautiful botanic blueprints.

This two hours workshop will introduce you to the basics of the cyanotype printmaking-process discovered in 1842-using watercolour paper, cyanotype paint and light to create your own images. This process allows one to create beautiful floral prussian blue prints -join me and learn about its history and chemistry.

LEVEL

This is a complete beginner workshop suited for any kind of ability and no previous experience is necessary.

AGENDA

  1. Introduction to history of early photographic printmaking

  2. Chemistry and technology of the process

  3. Creating prints using botanicals in relaxed and friendly atmosphere

  4. Troubleshooting tips

All materials will be provided

WHAT YOU GET

You’ll learn a new skill in botanical printmaking which you can continue beyond the session, which you will finish with 2-3 prints ready to take home and get framed.

LOCATION

Workshops will take place in my studio space in West London in Earls Court.

T&C

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Kirlian Electrophotography workshop (Class full)
Feb
17
11:00 am11:00

Kirlian Electrophotography workshop (Class full)

Kirlian Photography is a contact printing technique using high voltage to obtain images on photographic paper or film, capturing the phenomenon of electrical coronal discharges.It is named after Semyon Kirlian, who in 1939 accidentally discovered that if an object on a photographic plate is subjected to a strong electric field, an image is created on the plate.

Kirlian made controversial claims that his method referred to supernatural auras-Kirlian promoted the idea that the resulting images of living objects were a physical proof of the life force or aura which allegedly surrounds all living beings. This claim was said to be supported by experiments by the Kirlians that involved cutting part of a leaf off - the Kirlian images of such leaves, it was said, still showed the leaves as whole, as though the cutting had never happened.

During this 3 h extended session you are welcomed to bring a variety of objects to create multiple contact prints which will be scanned at the end of the session.


LOCATION

Workshops will take place in my studio space in West London Earls Court/West Brompton, SW6 1TT

Make sure to bring comfortable darkroom clothes as they may get stained !

View Event →
Cyanotype Basics Group Workshop
Jan
13
11:00 am11:00

Cyanotype Basics Group Workshop

Learn how to approach cyanotype-one of the first photographic printmaking process discovered in 1842 using watercolor paper, cyanotype paint and light to beautiful botanic blueprints.

This two hours workshop will introduce you to the basics of the cyanotype printmaking-process discovered in 1842-using watercolour paper, cyanotype paint and light to create your own images. This process allows one to create beautiful floral prussian blue prints -join me and learn about its history and chemistry.

LEVEL

This is a complete beginner workshop suited for any kind of ability and no previous experience is necessary.

AGENDA

  1. Introduction to history of early photographic printmaking

  2. Chemistry and technology of the process

  3. Creating prints using botanicals in relaxed and friendly atmosphere

  4. Troubleshooting tips

All materials will be provided

WHAT YOU GET

You’ll learn a new skill in botanical printmaking which you can continue beyond the session, which you will finish with 2-3 prints ready to take home and get framed.

LOCATION

Workshops will take place in my studio space in West London Earls Court/West Brompton, SW6 1TT

View Event →
Porous Light exhibition at Espacio Gallery
Oct
25
to 29 Oct

Porous Light exhibition at Espacio Gallery


Join me on 28th October for artist talk at 6 pm

Espacio Gallery
159 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 7DG

Planning to visit? Let me know: kucamagda@gmail.com

Also on 28th October at 5pm: Kirlian Photography workshop

Kirlian Photography is a rare contact printing technique using high voltage to obtain images on photographic paper or film, capturing the phenomenon of electrical coronal discharges.It is named after Semyon Kirlian, who in 1939 accidentally discovered that if an object on a photographic plate is subjected to a strong electric field, an image is created on the plate.


Exhibition Hours

Wed 25th October   12-7pm 

Private view: Thu 26th  12-9 pm with PV 6-9pm

Frid 27th 12-9pm

Finissage: Sat 28th 12-9pm, Artist talks 6pm, Kirlian workshop 5 pm

Sunday 29th 11-4pm    

By appointment outwith those hours. 




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Wet Collodion Basics Group Workshop
Oct
14
11:00 am11:00

Wet Collodion Basics Group Workshop

  • Empress Place London, England, SW6 United Kingdom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This one-day 6h workshop is an an introduction to wet plate collodion- a historical process using silver and light to obtain a unique images on the glass plate.

LEVEL

This is a beginner wet plate session.

WORKSHOP AGENDA

1. Health & Safety Information

2. Information on wet-plate darkroom equipment-studio work and field work

3. Preparation of chemistry-glass cleaning agent, cadmium-free salted collodion, silver bath, developer , standard fixer. Note on maturing and shelf-life of chemistry

4. Introduction to large format camera and collodion plate holders.

5. Collodion studio lighting set-up and notes on exposure measuring methods

6. Plate preparation and glass cleaning methods including troubleshooting.

7. Creating wet plate portraits/still life (it will be up to you, you are welcome to bring any objects you would like to use) .

8. Varnishing and various varnish types

9. Troubleshooting tips

WHAT YOU GET

You’ll gain the basic understanding of the process and opportunity to create 2 plates start to finish-using still life or taking self portraits. Keeping groups small-up to 4 participants-allows for more personalised experience.

LOCATION

Workshops will take place in my studio space in West London Earls Court/West Brompton, SW6 1TT

Make sure to bring comfortable darkroom clothes as they may get stained !

View Event →
Anthotype & Chlorophyll Printing Basics Group Workshop
Aug
19
11:00 am11:00

Anthotype & Chlorophyll Printing Basics Group Workshop

Learn to create prints right from your garden using leaves, spinach,turmeric and explore one of the earliest photographic processes.

This short but compact workshop will introduce you to a very unique anthotype printmaking process discovered in 1842 using watercolour paper and crushed flower petals or plant juices like turmeric or spinach to create botanical images and prints from digital photographs. I will teach you how to prepare your own emulsion- after the workshop you will be able to take home and use the skills you have learned here to create your own work. I will also show you how to make anthotype print using digital photograph (you can see a sample photograph on the video here)

LEVEL

This is a complete beginner workshop suited for any kind of ability and no previous experience is necessary.

AGENDA

  1. Introduction to history of early colour processes

  2. Chemistry and technology of the process

  3. Preparation of dyes with pestle&mortar using plant material, in relaxed and friendly atmosphere

  4. Creating digital film for printing

  5. Introduction to printing on leaves & selecting appropriate plants for the process

  6. Troubleshooting tips and directions for finishing prints at home

WHAT YOU GET

You’ll learn a new skill in botanical printmaking which you will need to continue beyond the session( due to the nature of the process, you will need to continue exposing your prints after taking them home-all materials needed will be provided)

All participants have to submit one digital photograph ( this can be taken with phone or camera) ahead of time, preferably A5 in 300 dpi to kucamagda@gmail.com

LOCATION

Workshops will take place in my studio space in West London Earls Court/West Brompton, SW6 1TT

View Event →
Cyanotype Basics Group Workshop with Travel Cafe Islington
May
20
11:00 am11:00

Cyanotype Basics Group Workshop with Travel Cafe Islington

Learn how to approach cyanotype-one of the first photographic printmaking process discovered in 1842 using watercolor paper, cyanotype paint and light to beautiful botanic blueprints.

This two hours workshop will introduce you to the basics of the cyanotype printmaking-process discovered in 1842-using watercolour paper, cyanotype paint and light to create your own images. This process allows one to create beautiful floral prussian blue prints -join me and learn about its history and chemistry.

LEVEL

This is a complete beginner workshop suited for any kind of ability and no previous experience is necessary.

AGENDA

  1. Introduction to history of early photographic printmaking

  2. Chemistry and technology of the process

  3. Creating prints using botanicals in relaxed and friendly atmosphere

  4. Troubleshooting tips

All materials will be provided

WHAT YOU GET

You’ll learn a new skill in botanical printmaking which you can continue beyond the session, which you will finish with 2-3 prints ready to take home and get framed.

LOCATION

Workshops will take place at a partner venue in Travel Cafe ( Islington)

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