Dürnstein ~ 180x150cm

Proof ~ solo exhibition, Vienna Austria 2003 What is PROOF? proof (proof), n. the act of proving, a test, a trial; testing, assaying, experiment, demonstration…a first or early impression of a photograph…(Cassell Concise English Dictionary) In darkroom technique after processing a roll of film, a PROOF of all images is made by trimming the film into strips so the complete roll fits a standard sheet of photographic paper, (eg. 25x20cm also a common large format sheet film size) laying the film on the paper and covering with glass so the film is in direct contact with the paper, then exposing so as to average all frames, allowing easy selection of images for enlargement in a positive form. Exposing a complete roll of film in sequence with the final proof sheet in mind, creates a large format final image containing many individual compositions and more potential to make mistakes...for better or worse. With an increasing ease of access to photography through digital media, countless multiple image techniques have developed. Anything is possible and it's probably all been done before sometime, somewhere by someone. Time to go back to an emphasis on subject and composition with the anticipation of seeing a complete roll of processed film as PROOF. So what am I trying to prove? Originally intended to greatly minimise or eliminate the need for correction before printing, I wanted to revisit an old idea and realise the concept of "the poor man's large format" by utilising a complete roll or sequence of film as original then printing large digitally. Inkjet print on Artistex, wooden stretcher frame 180x150cm