Da Guan Lo, Kunming, China Possibly 1984 - 1991

Lois Conner made this platinum print, "Da Guan Lo, Kunming, China", using a large format camera that captures a panoramic view. The platinum printing process is incredibly labor-intensive, involving coating paper with light-sensitive chemicals and exposing it to ultraviolet light, resulting in a print with a distinctive tonal range and archival quality. The final image shimmers with delicate light. The panoramic format emphasizes the horizontal expanse of the landscape, inviting contemplation. By choosing platinum printing, Conner aligns herself with a tradition that values craftsmanship and longevity. The material's inherent qualities of permanence and subtle tonality imbue the photograph with a sense of timelessness, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between the built environment and the natural world. The hand-made quality of platinum prints contrasts sharply with the mass-produced imagery of our contemporary moment. This emphasizes the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.