City of Joy, 2024

Saltwater photograph

50 x 70

In my series of photographs developed using salt water, the salt crystallized directly on the analog negative. The series predominantly features images of buildings in Berlin, captured at night. The cubic forms of the buildings, glowing from within, resonate with the cubic structure of the salt crystals. This connection creates a visual harmony, linking the city's architecture with the natural, geometric beauty of crystallization.

This series is a homage to Berlin and its inhabitants, who at least in their dream seem to be capable of breaking through concrete and walls. The glowing buildings represent the spirit of the city, which vibrates with such intensity that it cannot be contained.

In choosing salt water as a developing agent, I aim to invite viewers to contemplate the transformative power of natural elements on urban landscapes. The process not only highlights Berlin’s dynamic presence but also symbolizes the inexorable passage of time, with the salt crystals preserving memories within their delicate structures.

Technically, this series required meticulous experimentation with the chemical properties of salt water, where I carefully adjusted exposure times and concentrations to achieve a nuanced interplay of light and texture. The salt crystals, infused into the gelatinous layers of the negative, create a visual and tactile depth that mirrors Berlin’s multifaceted identity.

More than mere documentation, my intention is to evoke a sensory experience—a contemplation of the city as a living organism shaped by natural forces. The salt crystals, with their irregular patterns and shimmering facets, invite viewers to engage not only visually but also on a deeper, tactile level, as if touching the essence of the city itself.

Through these photographs, I seek to spark a dialogue about urban resilience and adaptation. The salt, both as a material and a metaphor, prompts reflection on the city’s capacity to endure and transform amidst shifting landscapes. Ultimately, these images are not just representations—they are invitations to explore the layers of history, culture, and transformation that define Berlin. By integrating salt crystals into the photographic process, I capture both the ephemeral beauty and the enduring spirit of a city shaped by time and the natural elements.