when photograph becomes material.
Mordançage is an experimental darkroom process that transforms the surface of a black-and-white silver gelatin print through a sequence of chemical and physical interventions. Developed from earlier photographic bleaching techniques, the process alters the photographic emulsion itself, allowing the image to shift, dissolve, lift, and transform.
LEARN mordancage WITH 2M ZONE
At 2M ZONE, mordançage is taught through direct experimentation and hands-on darkroom practice. Participants are introduced to the complete workflow — from preparing a suitable silver gelatin print and understanding the chemistry to bleaching, manipulating the emulsion, redevelopment, washing, and finishing the final work.
The workshop focuses not only on mastering the technical process but also on understanding its creative possibilities. Participants are encouraged to experiment with the relationship between image and material, allowing chemical reactions, physical intervention, and chance to become active elements in the photographic process.
WORKSHOP FORMAT
Group Workshop
Designed for small groups, the workshop provides a practical introduction to the mordançage process.
Participants will:
– LEARN THE HISTORY AND FUNDAMENTALS OF MORDANÇAGE
– BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND WORKFLOW
– LEARN HOW TO SELECT AND PREPARE SILVER GELATIN PRINTS FOR THE PROCESS
– BLEACH AND REDEVELOP THEIR OWN PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTS
– LEARN HOW TO WORK WITH AND MANIPULATE THE LIFTED EMULSION
– EXPLORE DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL INTERVENTION
– CREATE AND TAKE HOME THEIR OWN UNIQUE MORDANÇAGE PRINTS
Maximum number of participants: 3
Duration: One (or two) day workshop
Intensive One-to-One Education
For photographers and artists seeking a deeper understanding of mordançage, we offer individual intensive training.
The programme is tailored to the participant’s experience and artistic interests and explores the process in greater depth, including print and paper selection, chemistry, bleaching, redevelopment, emulsion manipulation, process control, troubleshooting, and experimental approaches to image transformation.
Particular attention can be given to developing an individual approach to the process and integrating mordançage into the participant’s existing photographic or artistic practice.
PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE DETAILED GUIDANCE, TECHNICAL SUPPORT, AND ACCESS TO RECIPES AND RESOURCES NECESSARY FOR CONTINUING THE PROCESS INDEPENDENTLY.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Artists, photographers, students, and anyone interested in experimental darkroom practices, material approaches to photography, and alternative photographic processes.
Basic experience with black-and-white darkroom printing is helpful but not required.
HOST A WORKSHOP
2M ZONE workshops can be organised in collaboration with galleries, museums, educational institutions, photography festivals, residency programmes, and cultural organisations.
Workshops can be adapted to different formats, durations, and levels of experience.
INQUIRIES
For upcoming workshops, individual training, or hosting a workshop at your institution:
Write us → email
Other processes we teach:
wet plate collodion · Cyanotype · Salt Printing · black & white photography · Darkroom Printing · Experimental Photography