Real Manipulator Photographer Neuwirth Experiments With Altering Negative by Sandra Martinez The Experimentîónow on view at the Embassy of Austriaógives American audiences their first comprehensive look at up-and-coming Austrian photographer Katharina Neuwirth and her experiment-based photography. Neuwirthís innovative works are actually within the fields of both painting and photography. This exhibit of 21 prints spans the past two years of the artistís career. ìThe Experimentî emphasizes the artistic manipulations of the original photo negative during the development process, using such techniques as hand coloring or negative printing to create a new interpretation of the photograph. In these varied works, rivers flow, breathing new life and color into trash cans; trees grow on a bridge; two fingers sit crossed on a subway seat. This surrealistic style of Neuwirthís imagery has become the artistís unique trademark. ìI like to influence the picture by myself,î Neuwirth said at the opening of her exhibit. ìI donít want someone else to do it for me. I like to work on the picture, not only press the button on the camera. I like to change the picture, add color and co mposition.î The exhibit features selections from her series ìOut of the Loopîóincluding different shots of people walking through the gigantic pair of curved iron walls cast by Richard Serraóand ìThe Trash Can,î contrasting the beauty of nature with the garbage of urbanization. Starting her career in the 1990s in Austria, Neuwirth moved to New York in 2000 and soon discovered the different techniques of experimental photography that she uses to create her current body of work. Originally trained as a classical photographer, Neuwirthís first shows were actually held at her motherís art gallery in Austria. She has also dabbled in advertising, producing pictures for Mercedes-Benz and the Martin Reisner Advertising Agency in Vienna. Neuwirth said she wants to devote her life to making distinctive images and trying to see the world through the lens of a camera. Photography is no longer just a profession for her, she said, but a newfound way of life. ìThe Experimentî runs through Feb. 28 at the Embassy of Austria, 3524 International Court, NW. For more information, please call (202) 895-6776 or visit www.austria.org. Sandra Martinez is a freelance writer in Alexandria, Va.