T01. Performative Cyanotype on the Beach with Javier Talavera

This workshop proposes a theoretical and practical experience centered on cyanotype and its potential as a form of registration and trace. It will begin with an introduction to the technique, its historical origins, and the first authors who explored the idea of imprint and image fixation, from John Herschel and Anna Atkins to contemporary uses of cameraless techniques as a space for experimentation and memory.Building on this foundation, a collective action on the beach conceived as a performative and experimental process will take place, during which several pieces will be produced to become part of the Blueprints project collection. In this phase, participants will directly observe the variables of the process such as light, humidity, water movement, and time, and how these influence the final result.In a final stage, each participant will work individually on previously emulsified fabrics, exploring wet cyanotype, interaction with sand and sea, and post solarization while incorporating chance, error, and materiality as central elements of the visual language.
Schedule

• Introduction to cyanotype, its history, and cameraless image references
• Collective reflection on the relevance of cameraless techniques in contemporary photography
• Collective action on the beach and creation of pieces for the Blueprints project
• Observation of process variables: light, water, humidity, time, and movement
• Individual work on emulsified fabrics
• Exploration of wet cyanotype, interaction with the natural environment, and post solarization
• Closing session and group review of the results

It is not mandatory to bring anything.
The instructor will provide pre-coated cyanotype fabrics.It is recommended to bring objects for experimentation: flat or thin items (which create sharp silhouettes), clearly outlined shapes (recognizable and defined forms), semi-transparent materials (which produce soft gradients and textures), patterned or textured elements (which generate repetition or visual detail), and personal or symbolic objects (which add meaning to the final result). Useful examples include: leaves, pressed flowers, lace, nets, open-weave fabrics, keys, scissors, buttons, small tools, thin plastic bottles, X-rays, negatives, perforated papers, masks, small toys, personal keepsakes. You may also draw on acetate to create your own negative.It is recommended to bring swimwear, water, and sun protection, as the practical part of the workshop will take place on the beach.