Black and White Diapographic Image – Joan Vila Grau

A diapographic image by Joan Vila Grau

This work originates from Joan Vila Grau’s experiments with diapography, a technique situated between photography and painting. The process involves directly altering the emulsion of a slide or photographic frame through scratching, scraping and other forms of manipulation.

Vila Grau experimented with this technique during the 1990s and selected two of the results he considered most successful to reproduce on paper.

From diapography to screen printing

The piece available at Oniricat is a reproduction based on an original diapographic image by Joan Vila Grau, produced using screen printing.

It is printed on BFK Rives paper, manufactured in France, measuring 32 × 40 cm. The reproduced image measures 21 × 29.5 cm.

Its black-and-white composition is defined by the strong contrast between the deep background and the lines and textures created through the artist’s intervention on the photographic emulsion.

Light, texture and stained glass

Although this work predates Joan Vila Grau’s major project for the Sagrada Família, it already reveals interests that would remain central throughout his career: light, transparency, texture, rhythm and visual structure.

There is a particularly significant connection between diapography and stained glass: in both, light plays an active role in how the work is perceived.

About Joan Vila Grau

Joan Vila Grau (Barcelona, 1932–2022) was a painter, designer, printmaker and a leading figure in contemporary stained-glass art.

Discover Joan Vila Grau and his works at Oniricat.

Why it is special?

This reproduction comes directly from Joan Vila Grau’s studio and belongs to the two diapographic experiments selected by the artist for reproduction on paper. Only a limited number of copies remain.

Certificate of authenticity

The reproduction is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by the heirs of Joan Vila Grau, identifying the piece as a screen-printed reproduction of a work created using the experimental diapography process.