2015, Wood / Steel / Ceramics / String
Inspired by the comparing observations of nature, that can be found throughout the sketches of Leonardo da Vinci, this third semester project is all about comparison. As a mechanical eye, the Paragonox camera pushes the photographer to take a closer look, not only at the motive he wants to capture, but also at his own artistic intentions.
Unlike the hightech cameras we’re using today, the construction of the Paragonox does not allow the „Point-and-Shoot“ approach, that seems to dominate nowadays photographic landscape. The camera consists of two wooden plates, of which one holds a lasered pinhole, while the other carries the film roll. Those two plates are supported by a steel frame and connected through a ceramic tube. The single components can be replaced pursuant to the photographers requirements.
Besides the Paragonox’ functional aspects, it’s the materials used, that pick up Leonardos way of thinking. The three main elements wood, steel and ceramic differ not only in colour, but also in density and require individual processing. Every material is blackened, for they need to act as a whole, when assembled. This is done using fire as a fourth element, giving each material its individual dark colour.
The way, in which the heat of the fire blackens each material individually, may even be compared to the way, in which the energy of the light makes the photographic emulsion react, creating the black dots that form the final image.
