PHILIP RINGLER

I photograph states of mind: daydreams, emotions, nightmares, memories, energies and artifacts of this incongruous roller coaster called the human condition.  Philosophical/psychological landscapes; silver-based black and white images of suffering and redemption, confusion and clarity, ecstasy and death. Depth contrasts the superficial: the subtle existential complexities of experience, subterranean visions versus consensus reality. The titles inform the images. Metaphor overrides logic, making room for sinister ridiculousness and unexpected poignancy. This is PHOTOGRAPHY MADE DIFFICULT.

The selection of specialty film, paper and developer, as well as the physical experience of darkroom printing are essential to my alchemical process. Each photograph is meticulously printed on triple weight, fiber-base, silver gelatin paper; hand processed in a unique homemade developer.   I create unique 60”x40” prints as well as 16”x20” prints in editions of 5..