T09. Watergrams with Francisco Macfarlane

In this workshop, participants will explore the creation of aquagrams from both a technical and experimental perspective, addressing their historical foundations as well as the chemical and physical processes involved. The reactions that occur in silver gelatin paper during the formation of an aquagram will be examined, along with their relationship to phenomena associated with cymatics, understood as the visual study of vibration.When necessary, basic darkroom concepts will be reviewed, including exposure times, development, stop bath, and fixing, in order to ensure a clear understanding of the process. The aim is to establish a solid technical foundation before moving into practical experimentation.The practical component begins with the production of traditional aquagrams, using tray movements and variations in flash position. Experimental variations are then introduced, incorporating different materials and conditions such as moving water with a hair dryer, mixtures of water and oil, and the use of ice, bags, leaves, or other elements commonly associated with the photogram process, with the goal of expanding the formal possibilities of the technique.In a later phase, participants will work specifically with water movement generated through vibration, by installing a speaker beneath the tray and exploring how water responds to continuous frequencies and musical fragments. The workshop concludes with the final production of cymatic aquagrams, investigating the direct interaction between vibration, water, and light.

Schedule

1. Introduction to aquagrams: references, history, and chemical and physical foundations
2. Review of basic darkroom concepts, when necessary
3. Production of traditional aquagrams using tray movements and flash
4. Exploration of experimental variations with water, materials, and photogram elements
5. Introduction to vibration and water movement through sound
6. Final production of cymatic aquagrams and review of results