Mahir Jahmal
Continuously evolving, Mahir Jahmal's work is in motion, at times until the liberation from the subject. Originating in large format analog photography, his work investigates the boundaries of the medium. By experimenting in the darkroom he explores possible transitions from traditional photography into new forms of artistic practice. In his process, elements of painting merge with photography. The crumpling of the paper adds sculptural shapes that leave a relief-like impression. Urban motifs dissolve into graphic structures and often the underlying motif only emerges at second glance. In the framework of Jahmal’s images, blank spots, paper ruptures, and optical blurs constitute rugged landscapes that leave an impression of a rugged reality. If necessary, he foregoes camera, chemicals, and negatives all together and develops photographic techniques that create mysterious images which defy stereotypes and allow for new perspectives. -Text by Lena Ures