Dye destruction print

A dye destruction print (Cibachrome print, Ilfochrome print) is a print made using a photographic printing process in which colour dyes embedded in the paper are selectively bleached away (destroyed) to form a full-colour image

Nan Goldin
*Self-Portrait on the train, Germany* (1992)
Tate

© Nan Goldin

The paper used for this process has at least three emulsion layers and each layer is sensitised to a primary additive colour of light. The layers contain a dye related to that colour. During exposure to a colour transparency, each layer records different information about the colour make-up of the image, and in development the silver and unnecessary dyes are destroyed to form the image. Dye destruction prints are characterised by their vibrant colour and durability.

Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? We would like to hear from you.

C-print

A C-print, also known as a C-type print or Chromogenic print, is a photographic print made from a colour negative or slide
Photography

Photography refers to the process or practice of creating a photograph – an image produced by the action of light on a light-sensitive material

Selected artworks in the collection

Paul Graham Untitled #38, Woman on Sidewalk, New York, 2002

2002
Keith Arnatt Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of his Former Self

1969–72, printed 2000

Dye destruction print

Related terms and concepts

C-print

Photography

Selected artworks in the collection

Paul Graham Untitled #38, Woman on Sidewalk, New York, 2002

Keith Arnatt Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of his Former Self

Sign up to emails