Capturing the Past and Present – Prolab’s Contribution to New Light: Photography Now + Then
The Museum of Brisbane’s latest exhibition, New Light: Photography Now + Then, is a stunning exploration of photography spanning over a century, from 1890 to 2024. This remarkable showcase brings together iconic images from Brisbane’s past and contemporary works that challenge and celebrate the photographic medium. Prolab is proud to have been part of this exhibition, producing new works by Jo-Anne Driessens and Carl Warner, each showcasing innovative techniques that push the boundaries of traditional photography.
Highlighting Jo-Anne Driessens’ Artistry
Jo-Anne Driessens’ latest pieces, featured in New Light, embrace a bold and innovative printing technique developed in collaboration with Prolab. For these works, we utilized the cutting-edge SwissQ UV Printing, printing directly onto Silver Mirror surfaces. This choice not only honors traditional silver emulsion photography but also introduces a modern twist with selective Matte Varnish. The varnish allows for a subtle yet captivating play of light, creating an iridescent effect under spotlights that evokes the allure of silver emulsions of the past. Driessens’ work, brought to life through this process, adds a dynamic layer of visual intrigue that must be experienced in person.
The collaboration with Jo-Anne Driessens highlights the versatility of Prolab’s production capabilities and the continual evolution of printing technologies. These techniques have allowed her pieces to stand out in New Light, drawing viewers in with the iridescent qualities of her imagery. The method reflects a dedication to craftsmanship that makes Prolab a leader in contemporary art printing.
Carl Warner’s Vision in Black and White
Prolab also produced several works by Carl Warner, a renowned photographer known for his powerful black-and-white imagery. Warner’s pieces in New Light capture hauntingly beautiful cityscapes and natural landscapes, exploring the relationship between urban development and the environment. The precision and detail of Prolab’s high-resolution Metallic Acrylic printing ensured that Warner’s striking monochrome compositions were realized with exceptional depth and clarity.
Warner’s images, such as the ones displayed in this exhibition, present a dialogue between the old and new Brisbane, bridging past historical references with a modern perspective. His work complements Driessens’ in its use of stark contrasts and light, making the collective display at the Museum of Brisbane a breathtaking experience for viewers.
Visit the Exhibition
We invite everyone to experience the visual journey through Brisbane’s past and present at New Light: Photography Now + Then at the Museum of Brisbane. Featuring stunning photography from 1890 to 2024, this exhibition is a testament to the enduring power of the photographic medium and its ability to reflect the evolving story of Brisbane.
Explore more about the exhibition here.
Special thanks to photographer Katie Bennett for capturing these incredible moments in the gallery, and to the Museum of Brisbane for curating this thought-provoking exhibition.
This collaboration with artists like Jo-Anne Driessens and Carl Warner illustrates how Prolab continues to innovate and provide tailored solutions for artists. The techniques employed in the production of their works, especially the new UV printing on Silver Mirror, exemplify our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in art production.
For more on Prolab’s printing services and how we can help bring your artwork to life, visit our website or contact us today.
Images courtesy of Katie Bennett, Claudia Baxter and the Museum of Brisbane
