COUNTING HER WAY TO THE STARS (ODE TO KATHERINE JOHNSON)
Original Cyanotype On Computer Punch Card
|
Inspiration:
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Katherine Johnson |
| Year: | 2022 |
| Materials: |
Cyanotype, vintage computer punch cards |
| Dimensions: | 210mm x 297mm (Mounted) |
Inspiration
This artwork was inspired by NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson.
During her extraordinary 33 year career, Katherine Johnson broke boundaries and paved the way for women in stem. The space agency noted her historical role as one of the first African American women to work for NASA, earning a reputation for mastering complex manual calculations and helped pioneer the use of computers to perform tasks.
Technique
Counting Her Way To The Stars (Ode To Katherine Johnson) was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, illustrations of lunar cycles, photographs of a NASA rocket and the moon, finished with halo made of golden rods and NASA logos.
After coating the vintage computer punch card with light-sensitive chemistry, it is left to dry in a dark room. The large scale negative is contact printed onto the punch card by exposing to daylight (UV rays). The card is processed by thoroughly washing in water to remove any unexposed solution, then hung to dry, developing to full density Prussian blue after 24 hours. Once dry, the card is window mounted.
Dimensions
Unmounted: 85mm x 187.3mm
Mounted: 210mm x 297mm
Paper
Vintage computer programming punch cards:
100gsm / Found material / Recycled / Ink Printed Numbers / PH Neutral / Smooth
Mount
Window mounted cyanotypes. The artwork floats just above a soft-white/ cream mount board with a double window mount showcasing the punch card edging.
Framing
Framed artwork will arrive ready to hang.
Each frame is handmade by our London based design team. They prime and sand the wooden frame before spraying black or white soft-sheen paint to achieve the highest quality finish. All frames come with gallery spec, 3mm thick anti-reflective/ UV glazing as standard.
If you would like a bespoke frame, please get in touch to discuss alternative colours, gilding and glazing options.
Inspiration
This artwork was inspired by NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson.
During her extraordinary 33 year career, Katherine Johnson broke boundaries and paved the way for women in stem. The space agency noted her historical role as one of the first African American women to work for NASA, earning a reputation for mastering complex manual calculations and helped pioneer the use of computers to perform tasks.
Technique
Counting Her Way To The Stars (Ode To Katherine Johnson) was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, illustrations of lunar cycles, photographs of a NASA rocket and the moon, finished with halo made of golden rods and NASA logos.
After coating the vintage computer punch card with light-sensitive chemistry, it is left to dry in a dark room. The large scale negative is contact printed onto the punch card by exposing to daylight (UV rays). The card is processed by thoroughly washing in water to remove any unexposed solution, then hung to dry, developing to full density Prussian blue after 24 hours. Once dry, the card is window mounted.
Dimensions
Unmounted: 85mm x 187.3mm
Mounted: 210mm x 297mm
Paper
Vintage computer programming punch cards:
100gsm / Found material / Recycled / Ink Printed Numbers / PH Neutral / Smooth
Mount
Window mounted cyanotypes. The artwork floats just above a soft-white/ cream mount board with a double window mount showcasing the punch card edging.
Framing
Framed artwork will arrive ready to hang.
Each frame is handmade by our London based design team. They prime and sand the wooden frame before spraying black or white soft-sheen paint to achieve the highest quality finish. All frames come with gallery spec, 3mm thick anti-reflective/ UV glazing as standard.
If you would like a bespoke frame, please get in touch to discuss alternative colours, gilding and glazing options.