LJUBLJANA
Ernst Miesgang
TRACES
“Using an alternative chlorophyll print process for photography, it is possible to transfer structures and images onto plant leaves. It is done by placing an object or transparent film printed with a motif on a freshly cut plant leaf and exposing it to the blazing sun. The massive solar exposure causes the leaf to activate a natural protective function that changes those pigments in the leaf that are directly exposed to the sunlight and thus prevents damage to the surface of the leaf. These new pigments are usually lighter in colour than the original green of the leaf, while the original hues remain beneath the covered areas. Depending on plant species and exposure time, the results of this process range from ghostly silhouettes to clear images with sharp edges and distinctive detailing.” (From the artist statement)
During the summer, Ernst Miesgang visited several ecologically damaged sites in Slovenia and Austria and documented them in photographs. In Ljubljana, he transferred the resulting images to leaves of the local vegetation using this chlorophyll imaging process.
Exhibition view TRACES, Austrian Cultural Forum Ljubljana, 2022
Exhibition view TRACES, Austrian Cultural Forum Ljubljana, 2022
Exhibition view TRACES, Austrian Cultural Forum Ljubljana, 2022
Exhibition view TRACES, Austrian Cultural Forum Ljubljana, 2022
Exhibition view TRACES, Austrian Cultural Forum Ljubljana, 2022
Exhibition view TRACES, Austrian Cultural Forum Ljubljana, 202
