TRANSFORMATION OF PHILOMELA IN GOLD
Original Gold Leaf Cyanotype
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Inspiration:
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Philomela |
| Year: | 2020 |
| Materials: |
Cyanotype, Handmade Paper, 24-carat Gold Leaf |
| Dimensions: | 210mm (Frame Diameter) x 30mm (Depth) |
Inspiration
This artwork was inspired by Philomela, a Greek mythological figure known as the princess of Athens. This empowering fable of Philomela’s metamorphosis into a nightingale conveys a message of perseverance, self-determination and shows resilience in the face of adversity. By breaking enforced silence to reclaim her voice, she is a forerunner for the mute protagonists of folk and fairy tales, embodying the archetype of the female storyteller, actively rebelling against oppression and exploring silence as a feminst issue.
Technique
Transformation Of Philomela In Gold was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, an illustration of a nightingale combined with surface textures from a Polaroid photogram.
After coating the handmade paper with light-sensitive chemistry, it is left to dry in a dark room. The large scale negative is then contact printed onto the paper by exposing to daylight (UV rays). The print is then processed by thoroughly washing in water to remove any unexposed solution. It can then be hung to dry, developing to full density Prussian blue after 24 hours. Once the image is fixed it is hand finished with 24-carat gold leaf.
Dimensions
Unframed: 148mm diameter
Framed: 210mm diameter x 30mm frame depth x 13mm frame face
Paper
Handmade recycled cotton rag paper:
150gsm / 100% Cotton Rag / Recycled / Acid Free / PH Neutral / Medium Rough
Mount
We use float mounting for all of our framed cyanotypes. The artwork floats above a snow-white mount board, showcasing the paper texture and deckled 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 Philomela, a Greek mythological figure known as the princess of Athens. This empowering fable of Philomela’s metamorphosis into a nightingale conveys a message of perseverance, self-determination and shows resilience in the face of adversity. By breaking enforced silence to reclaim her voice, she is a forerunner for the mute protagonists of folk and fairy tales, embodying the archetype of the female storyteller, actively rebelling against oppression and exploring silence as a feminst issue.
Technique
Transformation Of Philomela In Gold was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, an illustration of a nightingale combined with surface textures from a Polaroid photogram.
After coating the handmade paper with light-sensitive chemistry, it is left to dry in a dark room. The large scale negative is then contact printed onto the paper by exposing to daylight (UV rays). The print is then processed by thoroughly washing in water to remove any unexposed solution. It can then be hung to dry, developing to full density Prussian blue after 24 hours. Once the image is fixed it is hand finished with 24-carat gold leaf.
Dimensions
Unframed: 148mm diameter
Framed: 210mm diameter x 30mm frame depth x 13mm frame face
Paper
Handmade recycled cotton rag paper:
150gsm / 100% Cotton Rag / Recycled / Acid Free / PH Neutral / Medium Rough
Mount
We use float mounting for all of our framed cyanotypes. The artwork floats above a snow-white mount board, showcasing the paper texture and deckled 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.