Based in Tokyo, Yoshio Machida specializes in ‘photobatik’ using photographic paper as the medium. No camera is involved in Machida’s work. Instead he coaxes pattern out of the development of the paper by immersing it in acetic acid, then developer. The surface begins to develop unevenly, based on how and where the two liquids combine. When Machida is pleased with the result, the photo paper meets the fixer and the pattern is made permanent before the final stages of washing and drying. Photobatik is all about whole exposure and partial development, and Machida will also combine pieces of photo paper to create collages of soft colour. SM