The technology of digital printing has developed at a very rapid pace over the last 30 years. In today’s context, all types of graphic documents are generated digitally, including photographs, fine art prints, contemporary works of art, advertising posters, letters, prints, journals, books, office documents, price labels, and product packaging. Digital processes have, essentially, thoroughly pervaded our lives, leading some to believe that we are currently living in a 'post-digital' era.

Contemporary colour photography has also experienced rapid changes in aesthetics, technology, and materials. This speedy development can make it difficult to keep up to date with the newest trends. As these prints constitute a major part of our current and future social and cultural heritage, it is important to gain an understanding of their structure, materials, and stability. This necessitates an ability to differentiate between different output technologies. However, we must also question our understanding of what a photograph still is today, and how the meaning of this technique has changed over time.

About the Speaker

Martin Jürgens has been working as a Conservator of Photographs at the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam since 2010. He has taught over 70 workshops on the identification and conservation of digital prints and colour photographs, recreating early photographic processes, and preservation of photographs at universities, conferences, non-profit organizations, archives and museums across the world.

This public talk by Martin Jürgens will be approximately 45 minutes followed by a 15 minute Q&A session. Refreshments will be served thereafter.