Rachel Wolf

Bio 

Rachel Wolf is a photographer whose work is characterized by her mastery of camera-less photography and alternative/antique processes. Her art is deeply rooted in her personal experiences, with a particular focus on the profound presence and absence of light in her surroundings. Born and raised in Alaska, Wolf was inspired by the aurora borealis, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for the transcendent and embodied qualities of light. Her work explores the nuances of light and its relationship to the physical world, resulting in immersive environments that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination.

Through her work, Wolf creates installations that invite the viewer to engage with light in new and unexpected ways. Her approach is experimental and playful, pushing the limits of what is possible with traditional photographic techniques. Her work challenges our perceptions of photography as a medium and invites us to consider the transformative power of light.

Rachel Wolf's work is a testament to the enduring power of the photographic image, and her exploration of alternative processes is a celebration of the diversity and richness of the photographic medium. Her unique approach to creating immersive environments through light-based installations is a testament to her artistic vision and technical expertise, making her one of the most exciting artists working today.

 

Statement

"I describe my work as liminagraphy-an exploration of the essence of the photographic process that consists of standing at the treshhold (a liminal space) and turning light into matter. By releasing our expectations of how a photograph is created and what emerges as an image, we are invited to consider what a photograph is, must, or can be.

With these portraits I am exploring the relationship between light, the human form, and the photographic medium. By using camera-less techniques in the darkroom, I am creating images that capture the unique interplay between light and the physical body. Through a process of physically manipulating light and the placement of people on photographic paper, I develop images that are both abstract and representational.

I am inspired by the beauty and complexity of the human form, and the ways in which light can reveal new perspectives and insights into our physical selves. By using the body itself as the subject and medium, I am challenging conventional notions of photography as a purely representational medium, showing that the process of capturing an image can be as important as the final product. Each image is a conversation between the subject, the paper, and the light, resulting in a unique image that captures the essence of the human form in a way that traditional photography cannot."