“City of Love?”

What is Photo-intaglio?

For my first project in this class, we were introduced to the technique of photo intaglio. This process involves transferring a photographic image onto a light-sensitive plate using a transparent or translucent film. When exposed to UV light, the emulsion on the plate hardens in the areas that receive light, creating an acid-resistant surface.

Once the plate is etched, it is inked and carefully wiped so that the ink remains only in the recessed lines. To create the final print, dampened paper is placed over the plate and run through an etching press, transferring the image onto the paper with rich, detailed results.

Reference Photo: Captured during my visit to Paris in March 2024.

Artist Statement

This photo was taken during my first trip outside the United States. I traveled solo to Amsterdam, London, and Paris to visit friends studying abroad during our junior spring semester. Paris was the final stop, a trip I took with my then-boyfriend, who was also abroad.

At the time, I believed I was in love, visiting the so-called City of Love with someone I thought loved me too. But in truth, I was in a year-long, emotionally exhausting relationship that made me question my worth, personality, and identity. Despite the beauty of the moment, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle under the night sky, I struggled to feel like it belonged to me.

That’s why I’ve chosen to reclaim this memory for myself. This photo now represents more than just a place or a trip; it’s a symbol of healing, growth, and self-love. I titled it “City of Love?” as a reflection on the contrast between expectation and reality. For me, Paris wasn’t about romantic love after all; it became a city where I began to rediscover and love myself.

My plate, after it has been exposed, this is what I will use throughout the whole process to print.