Bogliasco Online Gallery

Meera George

Project title: Mare Ciano

My time at the Bogliasco foundation was the perfect coming together of the sea and the sun against the beautiful backdrop of Villa dei Pini and its enchanting gardens. It was the first time that I had adopted the medium of Cyanotype in my practice. During the residency, I created a series of 30 cyanotype prints that took reference from my research in nearby marine laboratories, looking at specific species that are under threat due to rise in sea temperatures as well as human intervention. The cyanotypes were further coupled with mixed media forms and textures (including Ligurian lace) imitating elements of the sea, alluding to the diverse and complex ecosystem and the delicate symbiotic relationship among species.

I found the technique of cyanotype printing, which involves the bleaching the artwork through light, in some way was synonymous to the bleaching of certain marine species caused by the rise in sea temperatures. The process also involved washing the prints in cool water to remove excess chemicals. This uncanny relationship between medium and subject led to the creation of a temporary video installation in the bunker of the Villa. A short video loop was projected on to multiple translucent screens. It created the effect as if looking at specimens from under a microscope or viewing the deep sea from inside a submarine.

I am grateful to the Bogliasco Foundation and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation for this opportunity that greatly helped further my artistic practice as well as enriched my experience in Liguria.