David Rabkin
David Rabkin
Presentation
It should come as no surprise that printing (how, and on what paper) and framing are essential to the experience of these artworks.
I’m using two papers right now, Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 and Hahnemühle Baryta Satin. The first is a matte paper offering a soft, almost silkscreen-like finish that lends itself well to the dreamy nature of many of my works. Baryta Satin is a more traditional photography paper the provides more contrast and saturation, and deeper blacks. It’s also tough compared to the rag paper, which is easily scuffed and must be treated with great care. That fragility is an issue because I prefer to avoid anything – glass, acrylic or otherwise – between the viewer and the art. I’m experimenting with acrylic laminates that maintain much of the matte paper’s qualities and add durabilility while adding only moderate amounts of reflected glare.
When it comes to framing, I tend to use float frames. Recently, though, I’ve been designing and making my own frames, which gives me the flexibility to deviate from traditional framing approaches and to experiment with new ways to present works. I’m also exploring more sculptural approaches, and expect that 3-dimensional pieces will increasingly become part of my work.
Presentation
It should come as no surprise that printing (how, and on what paper) and framing are essential to the experience of these artworks.
I’m using two papers right now, Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 and Hahnemühle Baryta Satin. The first is a matte paper offering a soft, almost silkscreen-like finish that lends itself well to the dreamy nature of many of my works. Baryta Satin is a more traditional photography paper the provides more contrast and saturation, and deeper blacks. It’s also tough compared to the rag paper, which is easily scuffed and must be treated with great care. That fragility is an issue because I prefer to avoid anything – glass, acrylic or otherwise – between the viewer and the art. I’m experimenting with acrylic laminates that maintain much of the matte paper’s qualities and add durabilility while adding only moderate amounts of reflected glare.
When it comes to framing, I tend to use float frames. Recently, though, I’ve been designing and making my own frames, which gives me the flexibility to deviate from traditional framing approaches and to experiment with new ways to present works. I’m also exploring more sculptural approaches, and expect that 3-dimensional pieces will increasingly become part of my work.
(Any color-band imperfections seen in these images are due to browser- or display-related limitations.)
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