Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrienne Moumin

Adrienne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I started my journey in B&W film photography in my late thirties, after I bought my first 35mm camera, and while working toward my BA at the State University of New York at Empire State College.

As a native New Yorker from 1960s Brooklyn, I always knew Manhattan was the place I wanted to be, and I moved here in 1991.

In 2001 a series of circumstances brought me to suburban Maryland, where I established my own darkroom. Prior to the move, I stumbled into my main art form, handmade photo collage, when I was about to move and lose access to a rental darkroom. I began making multiple darkroom prints of some negatives, and later created 2-D and 3-D geometric abstracts. What began as something to do “in the meantime” (between darkrooms) has been my main art form for over 20 years.

I have exhibited this work nationally, and have won several grants along the way, which has allowed me to create larger, more experimental work and invest in equipment I could not otherwise afford.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It has not been altogether smooth, which seems typical for many artists.

When I began this series, my goal was to make the most technically proficient, ambitious work I could, and I believe I have and continue to fulfill that intention.

Along the way, I made a great many technical mistakes, which resulted in having to re-do or destroy work that did not retain its physical integrity. Ultimately, I researched and networked with others with more experience, and learned the proper/permanent way to adhere the darkroom print sections to a substrate. Such is the lot of a self-taught artist.

The ongoing obstacle is the search for commercial gallery representation and consistent sales. I know that this is an issue for many artists

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I still work in a traditional B&W wet darkroom, while the vast majority of photographers shoot solely digital. The wide availability of digital capturing devices and instant results has pushed darkroom work into a niche category.

Many people who see my work for the first time are moved to share about their high school or childhood home darkroom, or are inspired to investigate analog photography or handmade collage. I miss the days of teaching film and darkroom, when I was able to empower others with the technical knowledge to manifest their own creativity.

I straddle the photography and collage worlds, and have found warm acceptance in both. Making art by hand is contemplative and and engages many of the body’s abilities and senses, all at the same time. I think that something is lost as this gets supplanted by technology.

At the opening reception for my most recent solo show, someone I did not know approached me to tell me that “If everyone saw the world the way you do, the world would be a better place!” I can think of no higher compliment. One of the reasons I am here is to inspire others, and the feedback I regularly receive indicates that I am living that mission.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

I have recently appeared on a podcast and was included in a group show of collage work, and I welcome more such inclusion and exposure for me and my work. I appreciate it when other artists curate my work into their group shows. And my very favorite type of support is monetary, through direct purchases and commissions of my work.

PRICING (question below):

My prices range from about $300 for a very small work, about 4” x 4”, to about $10,000 for a work of 96” on the longest side. Commissions are slightly more, depending on size and complexity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adriennemoumin.com
• Instagram: adrienne.moumin
• Facebook: adrienne.moumin
• Youtube: @adrienne.moumin

Image Credits

Long Curves, Long View, Time Warner Center: Adrienne Moumin

All others: Pete Duvall/Anything Photographic