Waterfalls
Water and Polaroid
2013
Highlight Gallery
River and Sky
2016
Yossi Milo Gallery
Untitled Cascade C2M2Y2RC1M2Y1
2014
diptych, multi layered duraclear prints processed
with Yellowstone River water, in led lightbox frame
65 1/4 x 46 ¼ x 2 inches each panel, 65 1/4 x 93 x 2 inches
Upper Falls C1M6Y3
2015
multi layered duraclear prints processed
with Upper Falls water in led lightbox frame
65 1/4 x 46 ¼ x 2 inches
Chantry Falls C1M4Y2
2015
multi layered duraclear prints processed
with Chantry Falls water, in led lightbox frame
65 1/4 x 46 ¼ x 2 inches
Stepping Stone Falls 9 C2M1Y2
2016
multi layered duraclear prints processed
with Flint River, Michigan water in led lightbox frame
20 x 14 x 2 inches
C11M3Y9
2015
multi layered duraclear prints processed
with Los Angeles tap water, in led lightbox frame
65 1/4 x 46 ¼ x 2 inches
“The Waterfalls pieces are developed in a similar fashion, but onto transparencies in order to be installed as lightboxes. Though the impetus for the series is the same as that of the Lakes and Reservoirs works, Brandt became interested in altering the manner in which the prints were exposed to the source water. He wished to match the structure of the subject; whereas the photographs of lakes are soaked in a fairly stagnant tray, the Waterfalls transparencies are subjected to a continuously pumping waterfall system.18 In this way, his darkroom technique mimics the landscape he seeks to capture. The use of the lightbox, on the other hand, stems from Brandt’s interest in the idea of working with light as movement. He contends that Lakes and Reservoirs, with the subjects’ tranquil and horizontal qualities, lend themselves to prints, while dynamic waterfalls are better represented in vibrant lightboxes. There is also something about the inherent qualities of a lightbox that recall kitschy advertising campaigns showcasing idyllic locations that resonates with Brandt as well. The failure of such items to adequately translate the experience of being in such a place attests to the futility of the endeavor, whether for personal or commercial ends.”
—The Unfixed Landscape: Meghann Riepenhoff & Matthew Brandt, Columbia University Master’s Thesis, by Maria L. Kelly, 2018
https://www.academia.edu/44616028/The_Unfixed_Landscape_Meghann_Riepenhoff_and_Matthew_Brandt
“Matthew Brandt’s process in which he captures an image in an analogue way and then uses material from the subject as part of his processing. For example he takes an image of waterfalls and uses water from those falls to fix the image. This can take from minutes to months for the chemicals to have their effect. The effect is usually stunningly beautiful as the chemicals from the location do their work. Nobody would suggest this is a true representation of what he saw when he took the shot but equally others could suggest it is a fair representation of what is there at the location.”
—Through My Lens, Photography The Shape Shifter, 2020
https://lenandtheowl.blog/2020/01/20/photography-the-shape-shifter/