Loops 1, Abstract Photography, 2015

Black and white photogram. Unframed. This image is part of an ongoing series began in 2006. To create the images Webber stretches and layers thread on a pre-cut frame. The resulting images are made by laying this “plate” onto black and white photographic paper in the darkroom. The photograms are printed in editions of five, with variations. The imagery is built up using layers of thread, to create rhythmic, intuitive compositions, which offer tension between the organic and rectilinear. They suggest macro and micro views of nature, or of the man made. This image was made by looping and layering thread to create a lyrical abstraction. This is edition 3 of 5 Tenesh Webber is a Canadian abstract photographer whose work explores and challenges conventions of traditional black and white photography. She lives in Jersey City, New Jersey and works in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Webber’s process begins with sketches, in which she develops the image ideas. She then creates two-dimensional objects out of sewing thread, or marker on plexiglass. She builds the images through layering, stretching and cutting the thread, and through repetitive line drawing onto plexiglass. These “plates” are used to create cameraless photographic images. Hand placement and loose threads offer an element of chance into the work, and each print within a series is unique. The resulting abstract images create rhythmic, intuitive compositions and offer tension between the organic and rectilinear. They suggest macro and micro views of nature, or of the man-made. Her work falls within a tradition of “rayographs”, or photograms, established by artists such as Man Ray, and Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, in the 1920’s, artists whose work in photography was informed by their painting and sculptural practice. Building on these artists work, Webber has developed a unique approach to the creation of her photograms, integrating elements of sculpture and drawing while also incorporating chance operations.