6.17.2021
Canson Infinity is proud to present its enhanced portfolio with the introduction of 4 new digital fine art papers from the iconic Arches paper mill: ARCHES 88 310gsm, ARCHES BFK Rives Pure White 310gsm, ARCHES BFK Rives White 310gsm and ARCHES Aquarelle Rag 310gsm. With the clear intention of producing ‘best in class’ mould-made papers that present the whitest whites without the use of OBAs (optical brightening agents), this exceptional range sets the new standards in the digital fine art print industry, thanks to its unmatched ability to render pure, bright whites on 100% cotton paper.
Centuries of tradition, cutting-edge innovation and exceptional design…
Strategically located in the Vosges in France, ARCHES has been producing premium quality art paper since 1492. Today, ARCHES is the only paper mill in France to use a traditional cylinder mould which produces traditional fine art paper similar to the look and feel of handmade papers. The new collection of ARCHES papers is based on this classical manufacturing technique, for a unique, premium result that combines proven tradition with the latest inkjet coating innovation.
Made of 100% cotton, each paper is free of optical brighteners to guarantee better preservation over time. The unique proprietary layer, which uses the latest coating technology, produces prints with superb color rendering, including deep blacks and natural whites, offering photographers, artists and printmakers the ability to create images on a remarkable palette of color tones. These prestigious new papers are designed specifically for the creation of digital art prints for limited edition works.
ARCHES 88
ARCHES 88 paper is one of the smoothest mould-made papers in the market today. Made of 100% cotton, this ultra-soft finish feels supple to touch. ARCHES® 88 offers a remarkable color palette which is further enhanced by the pure white base achieved without the use of optical brighteners (OBA).
Famous underwater portrait photographer Cheryl Walsh finds inspiration in a quietly solitary atmosphere. She works in her studio with the peaceful water currents that slow down time, make colors vibrate and allow her models to float in the rare weightlessness the water provides.
“Arches 88 Rag is a game-changer for photographers around the world! Finally, a smooth, matte white surface, free of optical brighteners, on a paper which is truly iconic in the world of art,” says Cheryl Walsh.
ARCHES BFK Rives Pure White
A 100% cotton paper with a perfectly balanced soft grain that brings out the details of each image.
Considered the biggest name and one of the pioneers of Street Style photography in Brazil, Leo Faria has travelled the world to pursue Fashion Week images. His striking and contemporary photographic expression has earned him a prominent place in the fashion world.
Faria gives us a sneak preview of his impressions of ARCHES papers: “I really appreciate the new ARCHES papers for the quality of their printing and the value they bring to the textures, tones and colors of the images. I had the pleasure of testing ARCHES BFK Rives Pure White and ARCHES 88 and I am very satisfied with the results. I printed both black and white as well as in color prints and in both versions the images are incredibly sharp, with the dark areas well defined, highlighting the points I wanted to bring out. I am partial to thick, heavy resistant paper which allows me to showcase my work with different textures. I will look to the ARCHES collections to print my next projects.”
ARCHES BFK Rives White
This 100% cotton paper features a beautifully balanced soft grain that brings out the details of each image. Thanks to the use of cotton rag and the traditional manufacturing process, the paper is very soft and supple.
As a prestigious international wedding photographer based in London, Sanjay Jogia is both a creative and technical perfectionist. His wedding portraits are a blend fashion and film in an inspired approach, featuring signature lighting and pose techniques.
Jogia shares his impression of ARCHES papers: “ARCHES BFK Rives White is the art paper par excellence, it has a beautiful white tone and has a pleasant texture you would expect from this type of paper. And ARCHES 88 is ideal with its pure white base and soft finish for precise details giving an attractive and appealing fine art finish”.
ARCHES Aquarelle Rag
ARCHES Aquarelle is internationally recognized as the best watercolor paper in the world, and the 100% cotton construction contributes to the beauty and natural ARCHES feel of the paper. Using this traditional watercolor base for the new digital fine art paper gives ARCHES Aquarelle Rag a natural texture and grain.
“It’s so exciting to get be able to print on the original texture of Aquarelle and this beautiful white matte base. It creates a whole new opportunity to create our photographs on a beautiful watercolor paper,” explains Cheryl Walsh.
“I had the opportunity to test three types of paper, ARCHES BFK Rives Pure White, ARCHES Aquarelle Rag and ARCHES® 88 and I can say that we’ve never had paper like these, they’re 100% cotton, thick, pure matte, and white. The test results were beyond my expectations. By partnering with ARCHES, Canson Infinity has once again proven its commitment to art papers that have a strong history and heritage. The brilliant whiteness of these papers, without the use of optical brighteners, elevates the experience and opportunities for photographers around the world. It’s truly exciting!” explains Cheryl Walsh.