Mörk Materia

Mörk Materia
Explorations of cameraless photography/cinematography and of the darkroom as a creative means by itself.
Materials:
B&W photo chemistry, (expired) silver gelatin film, (expired) RC/FB silver gelatin paper, various objects and materials, film projector, photo enlarger, light, darkness
Dimensions (silver gelatin prints):
Variable
Duration (motion films):
Variable (typically from a few seconds to a few minutes)
Produced by:
Marinos Koutsomichalis, Heraklion GR
NodeLab Studio, Tirana AL
Produced at:
Y’ha-nthlei Studio, Heraklion GR
NodeLab Studio, Tirana AL
Produced in:
2023 & 2025
Documented by:
Marinos Koutsomichalis, Nadia Abazi, Ardit Cami
Mörk Materia revolves around cameraless photography/cinematography experimentation and the creative utilisation of the darkroom as a production means all by itself. Employing a variety of techniques, B&W chemistry, gelatin film and RC or FB photopaper all kinds of abstract imagery is created from scratch. Highly experimental in their essence sessions of a sort make heavy use of expired silver-based materials, misuse of chemistry, and ad-hoc/haphazard methods. On this continuum, Mörk Materia celebrates unconditional exploration of the literal/material foundation of photography.


Mörk Materia also involves workshopping with local audiences and photography enthusiasts that are introduced to experimental techniques and improvised ways to be creative with light, darkness, and photo-chemistry.

Mörk Materia manifests in a number of different fashions with respect to the materials involved. Most notably it concerns: 35mm and 4×5″ film negatives (to be digitally scanned and/or printed in the darkroom); unique silver gelatin prints created directly on photo paper; and Supr8/8mm motion films to be projected. All silver gelatin prints (from films or directly onto paper) are unique creations stamped, numbered, and signed by the artist.
Events
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Exhibition, Aesthico Conference Multiplier Event; University of Technology Cluj-Napoca. Cluj-Napoca, RO. (2025)
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Publication, Speculative Enquiries: the third annual conference of the European Culture and Technology Laboratory. pp. 198-201. EuT+ Academic Press. Dublin, IE. (2024)
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Performance, Non-machines: Playground of Perspectives; Bauhaus Universität Weimar, DE. (2023)
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Performance, Foyer!. Limassol, CY. (2023)
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Performance, 3nd European Culture And Technology Lab+ Annual Conference (ECT LAB+); MADLab. Limassol, CY. (2023)