© Wait and See
Hous projects 31 howard street 10013 New York
“A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know.” – Diane Arbus
“This absolute photography is maybe the one which is not taken, not committed with something visible.
It does not exist but could have existed.” – Marguerite Duras
In this subtle play with space and light, f&d cartier’s ‘Wait and See’ installation at hous projects uniquely matures before the viewers eyes. The papers’ color transformation has begun, due to the nature of light’s impact. To perceive the gradual “color story” that each paper reveals, the viewer is asked to be patient, to observe a latent process, which is actually that exact moment captured and frozen, but still always developing.
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© Wait and See
14 years ago, overwhelmed by the big production of millions of images, f&d decided to give up “capturing the instant and to concentrate on the concept.” Expanding on their already known “camera-less” photographic processes, the couple would now seek to eliminate the “clichés of subject matter” to pursue this new focus as their primary evolutionary expression.
Despite the changes in the ongoing transformation of photographic techniques (predominantly away from the classic medium into the digital age), the Cartiers wanted to simplify the process – respecting old paper traditions. The essential starting point to this “new vision” was the critical sourcing of Daniel’s original photography paper.
The Cartiers wanted to make images in their most essential form, but directly with vintage paper. Through methodical research; even assisted by a network of artists, friends, and colleagues searching on their behalf, f&d have established an extensive (ever-growing) library. With over 300+ types of antique photo paper, this has allowed them to reduce their images to a minimalist focus.
The key to this “new” process is to place the photosensitive B&W paper in light (within the actual exhibit), marrying two fundamental disciplines. Per se, Françoise and Daniel Cartier, or f&d cartier, are the quintessential Swiss visual artist couple. In 1995, their collaboration, born of her training as a classic painter and sculptress, married with his photographic disciplines, produced the Cartier’s desire to advance and implement new approaches in the creation of art.
This new exhibition at hous projects elevates “living with art” to an entirely new organic level – an homage to the past, a glimpse into the future, an evolving creation, but always aesthetic original art in its purest form.
So, with “Wait and See” this entire series firmly emphasizes patience: a contrary and controversial idea for today’s photography.
Photo and vignette © Wait and See