About
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This is a 3 day hands-on workshop focused on Gum Bichromate Printing with a Single Colour, a historic and expressive alternative photographic process.
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Developed in the 19th century and revived by contemporary artists, this method uses gum arabic, dichromate, and watercolor pigments to create richly textured photographic prints.
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Participants will learn the complete process—from preparing paper and creating digital positives to coating, exposing, and developing prints.
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The workshop emphasizes creative control and personal expression, making each print a unique piece of art.
Participants will be provided with:
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All essential chemicals and materials needed for the process
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10 sheets of 11 x 14-inch paper, including test sheets
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Access to a fully equipped studio environment with the required tools
Please Note:
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Digital positive transparencies are not included and must be outsourced. Studio A89 will assist in coordinating this.
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Food and accommodation are to be arranged by participants independently.
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Price: 15,000 INR per participant
Duration : 3 Days
Workshop Structure of Gum Bichromate Printing ( single colour)
Duration: 3 Days
Time: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break)
About the Workshop
This 3-day hands-on workshop explores the expressive possibilities of Gum Bichromate Printing, a historic photographic technique dating back to the 19th century. Combining gum arabic, potassium dichromate, and pigments, participants will create richly layered prints with a painterly quality, gaining insight into image-making through physical process and experimentation.
Day-Wise Schedule
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Day 1 – Introduction, Coating & Digital Positives
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10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
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Welcome and introduction to the Gum Bichromate process
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Safety orientation and material overview
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History and contemporary applications
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Overview of digital positive creation and submission
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Lunch Break
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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Paper sizing demonstration (gelatin/PVA)
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Mixing gum arabic with dichromate and pigment
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Coating paper for test prints
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Drying setup for overnight
Day 2 – Exposure, Test Prints & Evaluation
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10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
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UV light exposure of test prints
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Development and wash process
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Evaluation and feedback on test results
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Lunch Break
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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Troubleshooting exposure, pigment density, and coating issues
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Adjustments and preparation for final prints
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Optional multi-layer coating techniques
Day 3 – Refinement & Final Prints
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10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
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Final coatings and exposures
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Development and drying
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Introduction to registration for multi-layer prints
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Lunch Break
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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Print flattening and finishing
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Final presentation and feedback session
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Wrap-up and discussion on setting up a home workflow
Materials Provided
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All required chemicals: Gum arabic, potassium dichromate, watercolor pigments
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10 sheets of 11 x 14 inch watercolor paper, including test sheets
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Brushes, coating trays, and tools
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Access to a fully equipped darkroom studio
Additional Notes
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Digital positive transparencies are not included. Participants must outsource them in advance; Studio A89 can assist with coordination.
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Personal water color tubes, if preferred, especially specific shades they wish to use. While basic shades of water colours will be provided, personal favourite shades or brands are welcome to enhance creative expression.
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Participants are advised to bring:
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A notebook, pen/pencil
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Apron, gloves, and a generic surgical mask (recommended)
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Food and accommodation must be arranged individually.