What a waste! Converting trash into working film developers

Kodak photo negatives showing two images of a man with a beard wearing glasses

© Andrés Pardo

WORKSHOP

 What a waste! Converting trash into working film developers

A photochemistry short school with Andrés Pardo

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 Saturday 22 April 2023
Saturday 29 April 2023

 2.30pm–4.30pm (BST)

  Online via Zoom

  Free, booking required

This workshop is now fully booked.

About this workshop

Andrés Pardo is a one of the strangest photographers in the world. He is the founder of Curioso Lab, dedicated to finding plant-based and eco-friendly ways to process film. He can make photographs from anything – carrots, used coffee grounds, cardboard, hibiscus, old pasta water, lemons, and clementine peel. Join him for a short school of mad experiments and learn how to make non-toxic, biodegradable photographs from food waste.

This is a two-session online course focused on black and white film processing, using food waste as a source for developing agents. You don't need any experience in processing film or chemistry. We will cover all the steps to build photo developers using common household wastes and easy-to-find chemicals following old and forgotten methods.

Course structure

The course will be via Zoom in two sessions, with a week in between to work remotely on your own experiments, assisted over email by Andrés Pardo.

  • Saturday 22 April, 2.30–4.30pm (BST): tutorial and demonstration
  • One week to practice and play
  • Saturday 28 April, 2.30–4.30pm (BST): sharing experiments

Materials

You will need to provide your own materials and equipment. We will send a full list with suggested suppliers. 

 Tutor

Andrés Pardo is a filmmaker, experimental artist, and film lab researcher. Following old and forgotten techniques, like a modern alchemist, seeks to convert trash into natural solutions for film development. He is the founder of Curioso Lab, dedicated to finding plant-based and eco-friendly ways to process film.

 Booking information

When you have booked your place, the ticketing system will send you an automated confirmation.

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the support of Sir Brian and Lady Pomeroy towards our photography season activities.

The Bodleian Libraries Learning Programme is generously supported by The Helen Hamlyn Trust:

The Helen Hamlyn Trust logo

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