STELLAR ATMOSPHERES (CECILIA'S STUDIES)

Inspiration
This artwork was inspired by respected academic and tragic heroine Hypatia. One of the last great thinkers of ancient Alexandria, she was one of the first women to study and teach mathematics, philosophy and astronomy. 

Widely known for her love of learning and public speaking, her reputation as a great female scholar, honoured astronomer and prominent thinker, transformed Hypatia into a feminist icon and empowering role model for female intellectuals in modern times.

Technique
Of Numbers And Stars (Hypatia's Story) was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, a photogram of a wasp nest combined with hand-painted chemigrams creating planetary structures.

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.