Photographers Kim Borst and Shannon Cousino are unveiling new work in a collaborative exhibit, which opens Friday, March 5 from 6-9 at Washington Gallery. Both artists have a unique approach to photography that utilizes traditional black and white darkroom techniques.

“I like to paint with the chemicals so that each print is truly individual,” says Cousino. She, like Borst, prefers the traditional darkroom because of the aesthetic it allows. “All of my work up to this point has been very personal.”

Cousino says that her work centers around a lone woman figure, usually in a constructed environment. Her work is different than most because she doesn’t get caught up in the technical aspects of the craft. When asked about technique Cousino said, “I can’t tell you what I do and how I do it, I just do it.” Postcards from the Sea of Tranquility is the title chosen for Cousino’s part of the exhibit.

Kim Borst has been making pictures for almost thirty years, but is uncomfortable with the term “photographer” as it relates to his work. “If I have to be labeled I would prefer ‘picture maker.’ I think of a photographer as a technically astute practitioner, whereas my approach is intuitive and much less calculated.” When asked about his art Borst said,”I try to practice two things; have something to say and be true to myself.” As a result, Borst’s photography is also very personal, with his current work being an homage to Francesca Woodman. His exhibit, Akimbo, will include new work, along with selections from three separate bodies of work accomplished since 2002.

Kim Borst is a professor in the Visual Arts Department as the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Shannon Cousino is the Education Director for the Duluth Art Institute. Akimbo and Postcards from the Sea of Tranquility will show March 5-28 and will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5 pm. Washington Gallery is located at 315 North Lake Avenue in Duluth.