Nestled within the realm of analogue photography, there is an artist who defies conventions and explores the boundaries of experimentation, resulting in captivating imagery. Felipe Lofrano, a Brazilian photographer, has carved a unique path by selectively damaging his negatives and prints using unconventional techniques. This unorthodox approach has led him to create astonishing and distinctive images that embody the spirit of spontaneity and artistic exploration. In this blog article, we delve into the world of Felipe Lofrano, discovering his journey, inspirations, and the significance of experimentation in his work.

Felipe's passion for photography ignited at a young age, initially experimenting with his parents' cybershot cameras. At the age of 15, he discovered analogue photography through a Lomography camera, igniting his fascination with the endless possibilities of experimental photography. His collection grew to include unique cameras such as the ActionSampler, a sunny fruit juice cam, the Diana F+, and a Lomography Colorsplash camera.

Felipe's path took an extraordinary turn when he began physically altering his negatives and prints. The inspiration for this practice stemmed from a childhood incident where he accidentally spilled bleach on a negative, witnessing the transformative reaction between the chlorine and photographic film. At the age of 15, driven by a desire to push the boundaries of analogue photography, Felipe embarked on a series of experiments to gain control over corrosive agents and interventions on developed film.

Experimentation holds a paramount place in Felipe's creative process. For him, photography is about transforming something that has already been done into something entirely new and distinct. It goes beyond mere aesthetics, touching upon the importance of re-signification and recycling. Through his interventions, Felipe breathes new life into images, infusing them with fresh meaning and purpose that would have otherwise remained dormant.

Within his repertoire of alternative processes, Felipe finds particular passion in the corrosive effects of chlorine and bleach on photographic film and paper. The unpredictability of corrosion with chlorine adds an element of surprise to his work, and he carefully controls where the liquid is applied to avoid corroding the entire image. Felipe's preferred cameras include the Minolta x-700, Zenit 12xs, and Belomo Vilia, while his favored films encompass Kodak Ektar, Lomography Color Negative 100, Fujifilm Xtra 400, Kodak Vision 250D, and Cinestill 800T.

Felipe's photography often features individuals who inspire him, whether they are friends, clients, or individuals with captivating life stories and artistic flair. He is drawn to their authenticity and finds inspiration in their unique narratives, which translate into his portraits, evoking a sense of connection and depth.

To those seeking to delve deeper into the realm of analogue photography and experimentation, Felipe offers valuable advice: Embrace the possibility of making mistakes. It is through these mistakes that one can uncover unexpected beauty and discover their true artistic voice. Fearlessly pushing boundaries and taking risks can lead to remarkable discoveries and artistic growth.

Felipe Lofrano stands as a testament to the power of experimentation and artistic exploration in analogue photography. His unorthodox techniques and willingness to embrace unpredictability have resulted in astonishing and distinctive images that captivate viewers. As Felipe's journey continues, we eagerly anticipate the future projects and exhibitions that will showcase his visionary work.
His story serves as an inspiration for all those who seek to push boundaries and find their artistic voice through experimentation and creative exploration in the world of analogue photography.

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Felipe Lofrano: the Alchemist Photographer

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