Behind the Scenes c. 20th century

Robert Demachy made this photograph, Behind the Scenes, using the gum bichromate process. It's a technique that lets you manipulate the image, almost like painting with light. What strikes me is the way the figures emerge from the hazy background. It’s all about texture, a kind of velvety softness. Look at the tutu on the dancer facing us. See how the light catches the edges, creating a halo effect? It's not about sharp details; it's about capturing a mood, a fleeting moment. The surface has this handmade quality, a tactile sense that reminds me of printmaking. It’s like he’s sculpting the image with light and shadow. Demachy, like Degas, seemed fascinated by dancers; their work reminds us that art is not about capturing reality, but about creating a feeling. Each mark, each gesture, is a record of a decision, a conversation between the artist and the medium.