Cyanotypes by the Berlin artist Myrta Köhler in Aarhus

Large-format cyanotypes by Berlin artist Myrta Köhler are currently on display at the Godsbanen cultural center in Aarhus, Denmark. The cyanotype, also known as iron blue printing, is an old photographic printing process with blue tones that was developed in 1842 by the English scientist and astronomer John Herschel

The “Flow and then” series explores the idea of absolute freedom: The future is always uncertain. It is a blank, a blank page. In her cyanotypes, Myrta Köhler explores the possibility of consciously abandoning oneself to this uncertainty. To do this, she exposes her body to the sun on specially prepared paper for a period of up to one hour. This type of “slow-motion photography” produces “white shadows” on a blue background, which convey an impression of weightlessness. The “Flow and then” series shows shadowy creatures that appear to be diving in the bluish depths of the sea. Or are they rather in a large aquarium and being photographed through a pane of glass? Are they women or men? Everything remains in limbo and mysterious.

The second series of works, entitled “Exca(r)vations”, works with harsh black and white contrasts. All intermediate tones have been eliminated. By removing parts of the top layers of developed photographs, Myrta Köhler allows a second motif to emerge within the picture. As a result, two motifs with very contrasting themes are superimposed. A cityscape meets an imposing mountain backdrop, a nude meets architectural forms.

By deliberately scratching and damaging the photograph, a different, hidden reality becomes visible. Myrta Köhler thus follows in the tradition of a small group of photographers who obscured or mystified their works by scratching, double exposures or deliberately damaging the surface. Photographers such as Christian Schad, Man Ray, Floris Michael Neusüss and Arnulf Rainer also worked with alienation, overpainting and superimposition. In this way, the artist visualizes the simultaneity of snapshots and memories or hopes.

Both series of works share the central element of “empty spaces”: white areas that offer room for associations and speculation. Myrta Köhler’s exhibition “Exca(r)vations” / “Flow and then” can currently be seen at the Godsbanen cultural center in Aarhus, Denmark.

Myrta Köhler lives in Berlin. Her work has been shown in group and solo exhibitions in Germany and abroad. Contact and information: www.myrta-koehler.de

Exhibition “Exca(r)vations” / “Flow and then”,until June 10, 2023, Godsbanen, Aarhus