statement

Imperfection

Photography is documental, documental in its essence – since its inception, and this is deceiving and irritating. The aim of a photograph to be, above all, an artistic image is often neglected, and is rather seen in being merely a formal confirmation of existence. Arnold Mariashin makes an attempt to steer photography towards its fine arts origin - to prove that photography is something greater than a technical recording of reality. In achieving this, it has been necessary to change methodology of producing an image, rethink contemporary trends, return to original techniques. Technology used in producing an image usually dictates (determines) its perception. Today's digital imaging is complete in all respects, and therefore capable of capturing the surrounding reality without flaws and with a hundred percent accuracy. It leaves nothing to an audience. Nothing to ponder about, nothing to dream of. The audience simply collects information – although, information of a high quality. Arnold Mariashin's photographs are technically imperfect. Created manually from the beginning to an end, they represent the energy of his hands, his memories, his feelings and thoughts fixed in silver. This is not "Augenblick Verweile" (a still moment), but a picture integrated in time, painted with a help of a brush and light. In this picture, the audience can find space for their own fantasy, their own experiences.

technique

Why the Gelatin Silver on Fiber Baryta paper?
Fiber Baryta paper has more than 100 years history, so it's most popular with collectors today. Gelatin Silver print on baryta based paper has more deep black color and looks more attractive than image on modern Resin Coated paper. Also only Fiber Baryta paper can be hand-colored by aniline versus modern Resin-Coated photographic paper.

What is Aniline Hand Colored Prints?
Aniline is an organic compound and it was used for coloring Silver Prints early in 19th century.

collections

State Russian Museum

Gallery Verdeau

Porto Franco Art

Private collections:
Hong Kong, Austria, Belgium, USA, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Spain, Canada, Russia

exhibitions

Second Photography Biennale in The State Russian Museum, 2012 (SPb, Russia)

Leopold Museum, 2011 (Vienna, Austria) MAGIC OF THE OBJECT Three Centuries of Photography

Porto Franco Art, 2011 (SF, USA) "Imperfection" solo exhb.

First Photography Biennale in The State Russian Museum, 2010 (SPb, Russia)

biography

Arnold Mariashin was born
in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). His first experience with photography was at age eight. He was graduated from the State University of Arts and Culture with a degree in film directing and a minor in photography and history of composition. He uses handmade large format camera and enlarger and develops prints in a small darkroom set up in his apartment bathroom.