A chemigram is an experimental piece of art where an image is made by painting with chemicals on light sensitive paper. The term Chemigram was coined in the 1950s by Belgian artist Pierre Cordier. Chemigrams are made without a camera or enlarger, instead artists work directly on light sensitive photographic paper, using substances like resists (varnish, wax, tape, syrup) and then applying developer and fixer in sequence or simultaneously.
As these chemicals interact with each other and with the paper, they create organic marks, stains, and tonal shifts. The process balances control and chance, the artist guides where chemicals touch, but reactions, timing, and material behaviour introduce unpredictability.
The result is a unique, one of a kind image that sits between photography, printmaking, and abstract painting. Often valued for its textures, earthy palettes, and sense of transformation.
©️images and content Graeme Webb 2026
What you need
- Black & white photographic paper old and stale even better.
- Photo developer and fixer
- Water trays (3)
- Resists: wax, oil, varnish, tape, syrup, glue, etc.
- Brushes, droppers, or sponges
- Gloves and a ventilated darkish workspace,
Basic steps
- Prepare your space
Work in normal room light after the paper has been fixed once, or in dim/safelight if starting from fresh paper. - Apply resists
Paint or draw on the photo paper with wax, syrup, varnish, or tape. These block or slow chemical action. - Add chemicals
Brush, drip, or pour developer and fixer onto the paper. You can alternate or let them meet this is where reactions happen. - Watch & intervene
Let stains, lines, and halos form. Tilt the paper, add more resist, or reapply chemicals to build layers. - Final fix and wash
When you like the result, fully fix the print, then wash it thoroughly in water and dry flat.
Tips
- Embrace unpredictability, chemigrams are part control, part chance.
- Layer slowly for richer textures.
- Experiment with household resists (honey, oil, soap).
Add comment
Comments