Artistic statement

Horst Herget is a wet plate photographer based in Toronto, Canada studying a variety of human relationships. His study has grown from community-based portrait series (Face of the Danforth) to one-on-one plein air portraiture (Two Point Relativity), to his latest project, the Interspace. Each series examines interrelation and subsequent convergence: in a community, between individuals, or within ourselves.

These series are all photographed using the wet plate process. This byzantine photographic process is used because it demands mindful execution and an attuned instinct. The alchemy of this process meshes with the subject matter, as does the labour-intensive technique. His construction of the sets is an integral part of ruminating upon and advancing the concepts: the sets are not only an elaboration of the concept but also ground the ideas being considered.

As an engaged member of the wet plate community for more than a decade, Horst is frequently sought out for speaking engagements and educational offerings. In addition to private lessons and multi-day workshops, he has shared his experiences as panelist with the Artists’ Network, has been an invited instructor during the Contact Photography Festival, and hosts monthly salons – Wet Plate Social - at his studio for the local artistic community.