Enlighting Mind Salvà plates

Salvà plates

CONTEMPORARY LIPPMANN PHOTOGRAPHY

INTERFEROMETRIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Lippmann photography is a color photographic process invented by Gabriel Lippmann in 1891, based on optical interference rather than pigments or dyes. By recording standing light waves within a photosensitive emulsion backed by a reflective surface, the method captures color with exceptional accuracy and stability. When illuminated with white light, the developed plate reconstructs the original colors through diffraction and interference, producing images of remarkable fidelity. Although technically demanding and impractical for mass use, Lippmann photography remains a landmark in the scientific understanding of color and light, earning Lippmann the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1908.

 

Andrea Salvà plates

In these contemporary artworks, the artist, instead of using a liquid mercury film as in the original method, uses the reflection between the emulsion and air to generate a standing wave within the plate and, through interference, create a dichroic mirror that reproduces the recorded image’s color for each pixel when properly illuminated.

More than a hundred years later, the Merano-based artist Andrea Salvà has revived the method of color interferential photography that earned the French physicist Gabriel Lippmann the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1908. Salvà applies contemporary knowledge of nanotechnology within a cutting-edge chemical laboratory, standardizing the production process of the plates to reproduce images with unparalleled chromatic fidelity, thanks to his highly professional photographic studio.
When the photographer and the scientist succeed in mastering light, Salvà the artist is free to express himself: his brilliance lies precisely in harmoniously merging téchne and poíesis—the ancient aesthetic categories that defined the art of making and the art of creating—into a contemporary key.
As extraordinary and precise as his technique is, by contrast, the subjects Salvà chooses to portray are simple and familiar. In his artistic vision, he draws from the objects of our everyday life, making forays into the ordinary details of our homes, our drawers, our memories.

 

Still life art has a rich history and diverse approaches, characterized by the emphasis on composition, texture, and light and it continues to be a vibrant genre. Contemporary artists experiment with new media and themes, incorporating photography, digital art, and installation, often challenging traditional boundaries and interpretations of still life. Lippmann ancient, complex but brilliant method has been rediscovered by contemporary artists. Lippmann artworks have a distinctive look due to the interference patterns recorded in the plate which could reproduce realistic and vibrant colors. At the same time,  the nanometric grain emulsion allows for very high resolution, capturing intricate details of the subject. This give to the photographs a unique depth and richness, joined to a fascinating glimpse into the early techniques of color photography and the scientific artistry of Gabriel Lippmann,  Nobel laureate in physics in 1908.   The works on display are or have been exposed in Enlighting Mind. They are also part of the first international catalogue of contemporary interferential photography: INTERFERENTIAL STILL LIFE. Rebirth of the Lippmann Plate (edited by 00A, 2024). Carla Cardinaletti

Artist Biography

Andrea Salvà is an independent photographer and researcher dedicated to analog photographic exploration of early color processes. He studies and develops innovative techniques and technologies to express his artistic vision. Drawing on his medical studies, he applies his knowledge of chemistry and physics to standardize scientific procedures for aesthetic purposes. Initially collaborating on the artistic projects of Christian Martinelli, Salvà later revived color interferential photography. In 2014, together with his friend and colleague, he founded 00A Center for Contemporary Photography—of which he is now President—to promote the dissemination of photographic culture. He has exhibited in Trento, Merano, Bolzano, and has participated in international film festivals, receiving special mentions for his short films.

For more info see the Artist web page  http://www.andreasalva.com

Solo Exhibitions

• 2023 “INTERFERENTIAL STILL LIFE. Rebirth of the Lippmann Plate,” curated by Carla Cardinaletti, 00A Gallery, Trento (IT).
• 2016 “Montagne di Luce,” curated by Camilla Martinelli, 00A Gallery, Merano (IT) (large-format color photographs from 4x5 inch sheet film).
• 2009 “Una Montagna da Immaginare,” Casa della Cultura, Merano (IT) (large-format black-and-white photographs from 4x5 inch sheet film).

Group Exhibitions

• 2021 “Galleria Popolare - 00A Gallery,” curated by Christian Martinelli, Baw (Bolzano Art Week), Bolzano (IT).
• 2018 “00A Photography Project,” curated by Camilla Martinelli, 00A Gallery, Merano (IT).
• 2017 “BYE BYE for now,” 00A Gallery, Merano (IT).

Photographic Research Projects

• 2023 Collaboration with FBK “Center for Sensors & Devices” in Trento for SEM electron microscopy characterization of the nanoparticle-based interferential photographic emulsion developed by the artist.
• Since 2022 President of 00A Gallery, coordinating cultural association activities with Nicola Morandini and Massimo Giovannini.
• Since 2019 Development and reengineering of nanoparticle-based color interferential photography in the style of Lippmann.
• 2017 Development and modification of analog instant cameras for long-exposure photography for the project “Le cento Montagne” (100 views of Mount Ifinger).
• 2010–2015 Development, with Christian Martinelli, of an innovative technique for direct large-format artistic photography on Ilfochrome positive paper (1x1 m) using modified processing.

Additional Collaborative Projects:

• 2013 “Still Life” with Christian Martinelli, Casa della Cultura, Ortisei (IT).
• 2012 “Cubodendro” with Christian Martinelli, Dolomiti Contemporanee, curated by D’Incà Levis, Taibon Agordino (IT).
• 2012 “Cubestories” with the Cubestories Collective, KunstArt 12, Bolzano (IT).
• 2011 “Doel” with the Cubestories Collective, Doel (BE).
• 2015 “Galleria Popolare - Su pastori” by Christian Martinelli, in collaboration with Nicola Morandini, Sardinia (IT).
• 2014 Co-founded 00A Gallery, a cultural association, with Christian Martinelli.
• 2010 Co-founded the Cubestories Collective with Christian Martinelli and Andrea Pizzini.

Participation in International Film Festivals

Between 2000 and 2005, Salvà participated in the Trento Film Festival, Torellò Mountain Festival (ES), Kendal Mountain Festival (UK), Festival du Film des Diablerets (CH), and the International Festival of Mountain Film Poprad (SK). He received a special mention for his short film Lost in America (2001).