Archival Giclée Pigment Print on Archival Paper
Limited Edition of 5
50 x 42 in
127 x 107 cm
US $ 7,200
In this black-and-white composition from 1958, Ragazzini transforms a seemingly ordinary photograph of a crumpled piece of paper into an intricate, highly abstracted pattern. The manipulation of light, form, and texture in the darkroom results in a symmetrical, web-like figure that suggests a hybrid between organic and mechanical forms. The distortion and repetition create a mesmerizing rhythm, reflecting Ragazzini’s interest in movement and form.
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In this black-and-white composition from 1958, Ragazzini transforms a seemingly ordinary photograph of a crumpled piece of paper into an intricate, highly abstracted pattern. The manipulation of light, form, and texture in the darkroom results in a symmetrical, web-like figure that suggests a hybrid between organic and mechanical forms. The distortion and repetition create a mesmerizing rhythm, reflecting Ragazzini’s interest in movement and form.
The image evokes parallels with early op-art, particularly the work of artists like Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely, who similarly explored optical illusions and the interaction of pattern and perception. However, Ragazzini’s technique of achieving this through photographic manipulation sets his work apart, grounding it in a more experimental, process-driven approach. His pioneering darkroom techniques play a central role in achieving this distinctive visual language, marking him as a key figure in the exploration of photography beyond mere representation.
The intricate patterning and illusion of depth produced here emphasize Ragazzini’s commitment to using photography as a medium of abstraction, where even mundane objects like crumpled paper are transformed into complex, thought-provoking images. The title Ninja adds a further layer, possibly alluding to the stealth and precision associated with ninjas, qualities reflected in the delicately controlled manipulation of light and shadow in this work.