Unveiling Stories Through the Lens: A Deep Dive into “Origins & Displacements”

In a world where art often reflects the complexities of society, photographer William Camargo has embarked on a transformative journey, combining the age-old technique of albumen printing with contemporary themes that resonate deeply with his community. This powerful collaboration with printmaker Barret Oliver and Linde Lehtinen, senior curator of photography at the Huntington Library, has resulted in a compelling series of works now housed in the Huntington’s permanent collection.

The Project and Its Origins

The upcoming talk titled “The Printmaker, The Artist & the Curator: A Collaboration” will take place on Saturday, October 5, at Nazraeli Press in Downtown Los Angeles. This special event promises to shed light on the creative process behind the eight stunning 16-by-20-inch albumen prints featured in the exhibition.

• Research and Inspiration: Camargo's journey began in his hometown of Anaheim, particularly during the tumultuous year of 2020, amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic and social unrest.
• Educational Endeavors: His work serves not just as art but also as an educational tool, aiming to enlighten local colleges and high schools about the rich histories and pressing issues facing his community.

Capturing the Pulse of Anaheim

Through his lens, Camargo addresses significant social issues such as gentrification and the often-overlooked contributions of the invisible labor force within his community. His book, “We Been Here,” is a testament to his commitment to highlighting Chicano/Latinx histories and advocating for social justice. He also serves as an educator, teaching the intricacies of photographic history and 19th-century processes.

The Artistic Process

During the creative journey, Camargo revisited cherished locations from his youth, rekindling memories while documenting the evolution of these spaces. He reflects:

“These are all sites that I have a personal connection with. Surprisingly, they also had some kind of impact in the city as well.”

His collaboration with Oliver was a meticulous process, narrowing down from approximately 200 images to the final eight that best represented the project’s vision.

The Albumen Printing Technique

What sets this project apart is the use of the albumen process, a historical technique that few artists apply to modern themes. This method, which involves creating a light-sensitive paper using egg whites and sodium chloride, results in prints that typically exhibit rich brown or purple hues. Camargo emphasizes the importance of this technique:

“The albumen process rarely depicts the lives and struggles of people of color.”

Event Details

Join this enlightening conversation and witness the impactful artwork that stems from a deep connection to community and history.

Event Information

• When: 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, October 5
• Where: Nazraeli Press at the Reef, 1933 S. Broadway, 12th floor, Los Angeles
• Cost: Free admission; reservations required
• Info: eventbrite.com

What Do You Think?

• Do you believe art can effectively address social issues like gentrification?
• How important is it to use historical techniques in modern art?
• What role does community play in shaping an artist's work?
• Should contemporary artists focus more on their local histories?
• How do you interpret the significance of albumen prints in today's art world?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how art and community intersect in powerful ways!