Jan C Schlegel’s work operates at the intersection of image and object.
His work examines the relationship between image, material, and presence in an age of immaterial reproduction. In response to the increasing detachment of images from physical form, each work is realised as a singular, hand-made object defined by its surface, depth, and material presence.
My work is rooted in the purest form of photography. I work primarily with large- and medium-format cameras on traditional film, without digital manipulation or artificial intelligence. Each image begins as a physical negative and is realized through vision, patience, and technical precision.
All prints are handmade by me in my own darkroom, using historical photographic processes such as salt printing, albumen printing, gum printing, silver gelatin printing, and most notably platinum printing. I take every measure to ensure maximum longevity—from the careful selection of archival materials to the precise control of chemistry and paper.
My works are produced in small, limited editions to preserve their rarity and integrity. Each print is individually crafted by hand, from exposure to final print. The subtle variations inherent to these manual processes make every print a unique work of art, carrying the physical presence of both material and maker.
Each piece is not only an image, but an authored artifact—a work shaped by time, discipline, and the direct touch of the artist.
All images shown on this site are scans of the original prints. In some cases, the paper texture is visible, as in the albumen prints from the Shalimar series.
Please note that the screen on which you are viewing these works cannot fully convey their depth, tonal richness, surface, or physical presence. The true beauty and tactile quality of the prints can only be experienced in person.
A.I.P.A.D. Photography Show 2025 with Echo Fine Arts Gallery