FOTM Workshop: Gum Bichromate: Alternative Photo Printing (20th June 2026)

Gum Bichromate is a historic pigment-based photographic process that transforms images into painterly, layered works using watercolor pigments and light sensitive chemistry. Developed through early research by Mungo Ponton and Henry Fox Talbot, and refined into its photographic form in the 19th century, the process later became widely used during the Pictorialism movement as photographers sought more expressive, hand crafted image making. Unlike conventional photographic printing, Gum Bichromate treats the image as a surface to be built rather than captured. Pigment, water, and light interact in unpredictable ways, allowing for tonal variation, texture, and even multiple layers of colour. Each print can be reworked and re exposed, making the process closer to painting than mechanical reproduction. In This Workshop Participants will be introduced to both the historical and practical foundations of the process, including: • The origins and evolution of Gum Bichromate printing • Basic workflow and layering techniques (including duotone approaches) • Chemical handling, preparation, and safety • Hands-on printing and exposure process • Troubleshooting and image control through layering You’ll Leave With • 2–3 A4 Gum Bichromate prints (depending on time and process flow) • 1 digital negative prepared for future printing • 1 informational pamphlet on Gum Bichromate printing About the Instructor Christopher Gio Sarsono (b. 2000, Bandung, Indonesia) is a photographer, printmaker, and founder of Dog Days Photo Lab. He began his photographic practice in 2016 and further developed his approach through Kelas Pagi Yogyakarta in 2019, alongside programs such as RAWS Attack Class, Panna Future Talents, Photobook as Object by RPS Tokyo, and Yogurt Lab 2025. Working primarily with analog photography and alternative printing processes, Gio’s practice explores personal memory, family relationships, and the cultural landscapes that shape everyday experience. Date: 20th June 2026 (Saturday) Time: 10AM-12PM Venue: Zontiga Taman Paramount Fee: RM199 per pax Preparation: 1 image file