Collodion, Silver, Glass: Contemporary Wet Plate Photography is an exhibition presented by Steve Tan 陈兴国, Malaysia’s only professional photographer using the wet plate or collodion technique. This is a process on glass that produces images of remarkable clarity and depth, with a distinctive ethereal quality. The artworks in this show explore the classic genre of still life, through a technique that captures dramatic, painterly contrasts and textural details. The attraction of these unique images lies in their ghostly yet detailed aesthetic. Each glass plate image is filled with imperfections. And it is precisely these imperfections – the scratches, hazy patches, blurriness – that offer a sense of magical alchemy. These still lifes capture the sensual beauty of this unique photographic form.
About the Artist
Steve Tan 陈兴国
Steve Tan is without doubt the leading practitioner of wet plate photography in Malaysia, and has produced an outstanding portfolio of pictures that are showcased during the exhibition. Further, he has singlehandedly helped revive interest in the medium, both through his practice, Magnetic Studios in Ipoh, and his popular workshops. The workshop at Hikayat recreates a studio darkroom, and offers the chance for people to explore and experience the entire process of wet plate photography, making use of Steve Tan’s own custom-made camera, darkroom equipment accessories and his own collodion solution used in the development of the images.
Workshop
The Art of Wet Plate Collodion Photography: Large-format Cameras and Handmade Plates
Date: 1 & 2 August 2026
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Venue: Hikayat
Hands-on Participant (Paid)
Get hands-on experience and create your own unique photograph with guidance from the artist. Perfect for anyone who wants to experience the full workshop.
Observer (Free)
Attend as an observer enjoy the live demonstration and artist sharing session. Please note that observers will not take part in the hands-on activity.
The “Art of Wet Plate Collodion Photography” workshop is presented by Steve Tan, Malaysia’s only professional photographer specialising in the wet plate collodion technique. This photographic process produces images of remarkable depth on glass.
The hands-on workshop offers a rare opportunity for participants to create a unique photograph of their own. The method involves three main steps—coating the glass plate with light-sensitive silver halide and a collodion solution in a darkroom; taking a photograph by exposing it in a special 8×10-inch camera; and developing and fixing the glass plate while still wet. Entirely handmade and highly sensitive to temperature, the process requires a portable darkroom that will be installed on-site.
Participants will explore the use of chemicals while experimenting with manipulation techniques and exposure timings. It is a nerve-racking yet exciting process, where every plate a gamble—but the reward is the unforgettable experience of holding a photograph created on glass.
Each participant will produce their own glass plate photograph by working through every stage of the process, while observers will also have the opportunity to witness this fascinating photographic craft from start to finish.
Photos
