Current Spaces

Della Chester

Auckland University of Technology BVA Graduate Exhibition, 2023

Chester explores the process of film photography, and works to create deeper connections with their art through acknowledging the step-by-step journey that produced Current Spaces. Current Spaces combines digital and analogue photographic processes to create three sequenced projections, allowing them to develop a deeper connection with the work. Chester takes agency over their photographs, as they partake in every step of the process. Producing the three-series works which are intertwined with their identity as an artist. Enabling Chester to have a more intimate connection with their work. 

The process is not only embodied in the image, but also in the post-production where they process each image by hand. Constantly learning new techniques, skills or ways of working with and around a camera is the base of my practice. To keep learning, moving and growing both as a person and as an artist is reflected in Current Spaces along with their overall practice. Chester is constantly looking at new and old ways of working; infrared, film and developing film by hand are just a few of the many methods Chester follows in their art-making. As such, combining different techniques in developing, processing, and digitising is vital in creating Current Spaces.

When viewing the work,  dance is what comes to mind. The images swaying back and forth of each image jumping from one to another. Light reflects, absorbs and intertwines with the darkness. Absence where the mind craves detail. The sway of the waves rolling you into the work while the leaves fluttering captures and projects your emotions on a wall for all to see. A world so void of colour yet still full of life. Contrasting and fluctuating constantly, you try to grasp a fragment of stability, only to be pulled under again by another wave as the clouds fly by. Time not still, and still not placed. Untouched by major events, the constant flow of traffic or the mundane content of life.

 Usually, when photographers work with film, they tend to only digitise it for reproduction and distribution. They keep to the same format of working either digitally or in analogue. However, when Chester works digitally and with projections in post production it is still equally important to work in an analogue format when photographing. Both come together to create variation and a comprehensive body of work.