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Fifty-six years ago, a young boy living off the sunbaked coast of Mallorca, Spain was handed a Kodak Brownie Fiesta camera by his father. From this moment forward, a foundation would be built, allowing Miquel Salom to see the world through a different lens—that of a camera. Over the years, Miquel Salom has dedicated his life to exploring a variety of photography methods that have allowed the gifted photographer to travel the world not only capturing what he sees but also spreading his knowledge using what he has learned. One particular method known as “wet plate collodion,” described by Salom as “love at first sight,” captured his attention immediately and has remained the focus of Salom’s work.
Combining his self-taught manner and knowledge of the historic wet- plate technique, Miquel Salom is now bringing his signature, storytelling work to the Deering Estate. In 2018, Salom was selected to participate in Deering Estate’s Artist in Residence program.
During his tenure, he used his uniquely developed 23-step process to create ambrotypes and tintypes, transforming Deering’s natural environment and rich, architectural history into art.
Miquel Salom’s vistas are now on display for the public in his newest exhibition
ICTUM OLIM VI …tempus fugit…, featured in Deering Estate’s Historic Stone House Great Hall. Showcasing studies of lights and shadows, Miquel Salom’s exhibit, translating directly to ‘the impact of the old’, references his wet plate collodion process, which was invented in England in 1851 and is composed of 22 8×10 inch plates done in the artists’ trademark technique, as well as a short video of his time at Deering. Also included in the exhibit is his 1925 Deardorff camera and an illustrated catalog with essays by the artist and Martha Betancourt, Deering Estate Registrar and Collections Manager.
I had the chance to speak with Miquel Salom himself, diving deeper into the origins of his life as an artist as well as those of the complex photo technique he has developed. Miquel also narrates how his time at Deering Estate has served as an inspiration for his latest exhibit.
1. What initially drew you to this long, extensive wet-plate collodion technique and can you explain a little more about how the process is executed?
“The technique appealed to me when I first saw Sally Mann’s work in Chicago in 2011.
After returning to Mallorca, I taught myself the technique. The most interesting part is that it is a totally organic, handmade process, and very primitive, requiring these 23 steps I developed to get the process done. At the end of this process, if carried out successfully, a direct and positive image is obtained on a black metal plate which is treated so that it does not oxidize over time. This is a tintype that can currently be done on Aluminum and is called Alumitype. When it is printed on a black glass, it is called Ambrotype.”
2. As an Artist in Residence at the Deering Estate, how has this unique natural environment acted as your muse when creating your exhibit?
“Actually, the muse has been very inspiring and has helped me from day one to produce the pieces I am exhibiting. The energy that the beauty of nature produces in this unique place inspired me with incredible precision and I achieved a result which I am very proud of. There are 22 unique and unrepeatable pieces that convey this poetic beauty.”
3. What is your favorite piece of work you have created in your “ICTUM OLIM VI” exhibition?
“I have to say that they are all favorites, this is something very personal. However, an overlay image was chosen for the cover of the exhibition catalog that I think conveys the two concepts expressed above, so I have to say the cover image is my favorite.”
4. What message are you trying to get across to people with your work?
“There is a very clear message of resilience, as well as an awareness of physical-aesthetic in which it is necessary to travel to the origin to understand the future.”
5. I know using your knowledge and artistic skills for philanthropy and giving back to families all over the world is something that is very near and dear to your heart. Tell me more about your philanthropic efforts and what project(s) you have established in order to do so?
“At this point in my life I have decided to use what I have been given as an artist’s gift to help other people who might need it which fills me with satisfaction. I want to keep paying it forward. I remember the happiness of the people from North Guatemala when they received the solar energy plates and light bulbs that illuminated their humble houses that they were still lighting with candles. This was a giant step from the 19th to the 21st century. It is an emotion that cannot be described; it can only be felt, much like art.”
6. What would you say is your greatest accomplishment in life thus far?
“Live life to enjoy it and do good to others. Life is a struggle from the second you are born and for me art is a way to gently release this internal struggle. You only free yourself at the moment of death.”
ICTUM OLIM VI …tempus fugit… will be available for daily viewing through April 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance to the exhibit is free with General Admission, $15 for adults (ages 15+) and $7 for children (ages 4-14). Deering Estate Foundation members and children under 4 are free for admission. Become a member today! To learn more about ICTUM OLIM VI and to purchase your tickets visit The Deering Estate website at https://deeringestate.org/
