These works are large-scale cyanotypes. They are life-sized images of the body, created by using the body as a photographic negative, exposing directly onto the paper. Cyanotypes are created by hand-coating a surface (in this case, paper) with a light-sensitive solution, then exposing the coated surface to the sun. An object resting on the coated surface blocks portions of the light, which creates an impression of the object. After the exposure, the image is washed with water, which makes it safe to be viewed in daylight conditions. This is an antique photographic process (circa 1840).
Reliquary
Oracle
Night Swim
Fin Dive
- Guest Post, Gray Lyons: Large-Scale Cyanotypes - October 13, 2016
- Guest Post, Gray Lyons: Accidents - July 24, 2014
As w/ any photograph, especially more arcane or complex photographic processes, it seems like there are some ghost stories lurking around these waters. Good work, suitably spooky stuff for the season at hand!
As someone who is unfamiliar with photography, this is something I didn’t even know existed until now. I think it’s cool how old the technique is, yet it looks really modern. I agree, there is something very ghostly about it too.
I have never seen anything like this before. It is so different and eerily beautiful. It makes me interested and uncomfortable at the same time. I think good artwork should make you think and feel and these pieces certainty do that.
I love the beauty of it that artwork is so often damaged by too much exposure to light, and yet this style uses that exposure to create such unique pieces.