The Out of the Blue exhibition at the John Hunter Hospital features works by photographic students from the University of Newcastle's Bachelor of Fine Art degree program.

Out of the Blue profiles images from students studying the photography elective, Alchemy. This subject offers students the opportunity to discover old imaging technologies that have been instrumental in forming ideas and artwork since the development of photography.  These technologies include Cyanotype, Van Dyke and Liquid Light.

Cyanotypes are a type of 'sunprint' in that the final image appears only with the aid of ultra-violet or sunlight. The colours can range in their final form from pale to deep blue tones and everything in between.

In the exhibition, early 19th century photographic processes are explored and made contemporary by artists imaging everything from snake skins (from a student who works at the Australian Reptile Park) to a student imaging plants onto magnifying glasses.

Out of the Blue is part of the John Hunter Hospital Arts for Health program, which aims to provide a less institutional and more welcoming space for visitors coming to the hospital.
 
The exhibition, together with Rainbows End by local artist and University of Newcastle alumnus Olivia Parsonage, will be launched at the John Hunter Hospital on 25 March by Miranda Lawry. Ms Lawry is Senior Lecturer in Photomedia and Deputy Head of School (Teaching and Learning) at the University's School of Creative Arts.

WHEN: Exhibition launch is 11am Monday, 25 March

WHERE: The Royal Newcastle Centre foyer
                John Hunter Hospital