Interview with Sven Eisenhut-Hug – Founding Director of photo basel and Patricia von Ah – visionary behind the Zero Baseline of Photography

With anticipation of photography’s 200th anniversary, Patricia von Ah, founder of SEETHINK Lab, sits down with Sven Eisenhut to discuss her Zero Baseline of Photography research. This conversation explores past achievements and future possibilities in the world of photography.

photo basel: Patricia, it’s a pleasure to have you with us. Your research project is generating excitement for its innovative approach. What inspired you to embark on this journey? Patricia von Ah: This journey began during my master’s thesis in Visual Communication and Iconic Research. I found a significant gap in the existing documentation for both scientific and artistic photography. This discovery sparked the creation of the Zero Baseline of Photography, an interdisciplinary research project that celebrates photography’s past and re-informs its future.

photo basel: What can we learn from your research project? Patricia von Ah: Behind every film and photograph seen today, there is a first photograph that initially uncovered something new. These foundational images not only document the visible but also reveal what was previously unseen.

photo basel: Is there potential for new experiences and a deeper understanding of photography’s impact? Patricia von Ah: The Zero Baseline of Photography invites you to see and think, and to appreciate the profound impact that photography has on our perception of reality. My intention is to inspire you with a sense of wonder and allow you to experience the world differently through scientific and artistic photographic firsts.

photo basel: As we look towards photography’s 200th anniversary, what do you hope the Zero Baseline will achieve? Patricia von Ah: Ultimately, I hope the Zero Baseline of Photography will become a cornerstone of photographic education and appreciation, a resource archive of first photographs that is continuously enriched by contributions from around the world. It’s an ambitious endeavour, but one that allows us to share the passion for photography and its power to capture and transcend our experiences.

Image credits left to right: 1827 Joseph Nicéphore Niépce – First permanent photograph, 1898 Louis Boutan – Photographie sous-marine (underwater photography), 1968 William A. Anders – Earthrise, 2018 NASA/NRL/ParkerSolarProbe – First photo inside the Sun’s corona

photo basel: Your research is also focused on the intricate relationship between visual observation and experience. How does this perspective influence your work at SEETHINK Lab? Patricia von Ah: My interdisciplinary research challenges us to look beyond the immediate and apparent, encouraging a deeper engagement with each first photograph. The SEETHINK Lab investigates moments, where seeing transitions into thinking. It’s about exploring the layers of the visible to reveal the essence of the experience.

photo basel: How do you envision the role of seeing and thinking in the future of education and appreciation of photography? Patricia von Ah: In a world saturated with images, I envision a curriculum that empowers students to decode the visual language of photography and allows them to articulate their own visual narratives with confidence and depth. The future of photography education hinges on integrating an interdisciplinary approach that promotes critical thinking and creativity.

photo basel: Looking ahead, how do you envision the influence of your research project? What legacy do you hope to leave with this initiative? Patricia von Ah: With the Zero Baseline of Photography, it is my aim to provide a comprehensive resource that informs and inspires a deeper appreciation for photography’s transformative power. By connecting past, present, and future, I aspire to foster a lasting impact on how photography is perceived and practiced for generations of today and tomorrow.

photo basel: How can individuals and institutions get involved or contribute to this project? Patricia von Ah: I see collaboration as an essential part of this collective endeavour. Anyone can contribute by submitting historical information and participating in the research study. Selected partners may support the project financially, enabling the expansion of the collection and the development of educational resources.

photo basel: Patricia, your passion and vision are truly inspiring, thank you for sharing with us. We eagerly anticipate the future discoveries and dialogues your project will surely initiate.

This interview is featured in the official gazette photo basel 2024. Below, you can download the original printed version for an enhanced experience.