Wig Tysmans’ ‘Photographic Memories’ at BenCab Museum

MANILA, Philippines - Wig Tysmans mounts “Photographic Memories” which is on view at the Print Gallery of BenCab Museum until May 26.

The exhibition is the photographer’s remembrance of the 1980s. Using IR (infrared) film, the photographer captured images of family and friends in Baguio and other sites around the Philippines. The photographs show what we cannot see, as IR photography produces fascinating, sometimes surreal, effects: the skin takes a milky, smooth texture; eyes appear ghostly. Black clothing appears gray or white, and blue skies take on a dramatic appearance. These effects provide the magic of IR photography — just about everything looks different from what we usually observe within the visible light spectrum.

He explains, “What really attracted me to black and white IR film is that the blue skies become very dark gray to black, and the foliage turns to whitish gray which adds to the stark contrast of the scenery. Which is why I did landscapes — the contrast makes the foliage pop out against the black skies.” 

Most of the photographs were taken between November and February, when there are fewer clouds, especially in Baguio.

“When I would wake up and see the clear blue skies, I would gather family and friends since they were the most accessible subjects. I always had a camera loaded with IR film, dedicated for these spontaneous shoot opportunities. Many times, I would shoot the Baguio Cathedral, the most imposing piece of architecture then, and the morning sun always hit its façade,” Tysmans says.

It was the photographer’s experiment with a novel medium, and not all of the pictures were printed at the time. Earlier this year, Tysmans was happy to rediscover the negatives in an old trunk. He selected a number of images that are now presented in this show.

As the artist turns 60, a significant milestone often associated with coming full circle, Wig Tysmans recalls visions of half a lifetime ago, of people dear, in places close to his heart. 

BenCab Museum is at Km. 6 Asin Road, Tuba, Metro Baguio, and is open daily except Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For details, call (074) 442-7165 or 0920-5301954, e-mail bencabartfoundation@gmail.com, or visit www.bencabmuseum.org.