Author: mblum6180_l6d6qy

Allentown-based artist, Matthew Blum, unveiled his compelling “Nature and Machine” collection at Bethlehem Town Hall’s Rotunda Gallery on November 13, 2022. This exquisite showcase comprised 30 captivating photographs, masterfully executed using traditional techniques such as palladium, cyanotype, and silver gelatin. Among the highlights were the ethereal “Iris” rendered in palladium, and the striking “1956 Lincoln Premiere” in silver gelatin. Art enthusiasts had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Blum’s vision until December 21.

Photographer Matthew Blum was recently featured on LV Arts Salon with Silagh White, highlighting his upcoming exhibit, “Nature and Machine.” The exhibit, which will be on display at the Bethlehem City Hall Rotunda Gallery from November 13 to December 21, 2022, explores the relationship between the natural world and machinery. Tune into LV Arts Salon for insights from Matthew and mark your calendar for the exhibit.

A photographer’s take on the modern world.

“Matthew Blum’s photography is a combination of machination and the sublime; a rusty nail awash in ripples of soft rose petals in a day-old city sidewalk puddle.” His work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries around the Lehigh Valley and in printed publications.

What makes Blum’s work so unique is that he follows the traditional ways of photography printing. Depending on the subject Blum will use the camera best suited as his brush to capture the scene. Once captured each photo is individually printed by hand in his darkroom. The traditional historical printing processes he employs range from palladium, cyanotype, silver gelatin, ambrotype, and others.

By utilizing traditional printing techniques, his photos have a unique, timeless quality that appeals to art lovers everywhere! Follow Matthew @mblum6180 for new, and available prints.

Matthew Blum showcased his palladium print, “Winter Tree,” in the “Photographic Paradoxes of Time” exhibition at Arthaus at the Mezz, blending modern digital capture with the historic palladium process. His work, capturing a timeless snowy landscape, reflects his exploration of photography’s past and present. Alongside his contributions to the exhibition, Blum is known for his work as a cinematographer and mixed-media artist. The show, which highlighted various interpretations of time through photography, concluded on February 5.

On a captivating episode of the Wednesday Night Photo Show, hosted by Dan’s Camera City, Matthew Blum was the esteemed guest, shedding light on the resurgent charm of film photography. The discussion centered on the reemergence of film in a digital world and Matthew’s unique approach to combining the best of both. For those who participated, the conversation was a deep dive into the sensory experience of analog photography, offering perspectives on how classic techniques can infuse modern photography with new vitality. It was an evening that celebrated the rich heritage and continued relevance of film in capturing the world through a lens.