"Investigating the Big Blue": cyanotype workshop in two parts, Amorgos, Cyclades, Greece by Hannah L. M. Eßler

A 2-part module by the MA Transdisciplinary Studies of ZHdK, Department Kulturanalysen und Vermittlung. Held by Anna Rubi & Eirini Sourgiadaki. Autumn 2023-Spring 2024 Colour perception varies, so do the semantics of colour terminology, for both sighted and blind individuals. The questions around colour perception from ophthalmology or neurobiology perspectives to cognitive and artistic ones, are infinite: Is there a universal human experience of the blue sky, the green grass and the brown soil? How is colour perceived in the brain, how is it translated into a communicable concept and how does it affect our perceived world, our mental and physical state? What is the role of colour in synesthesia? And most importantly, does colour have to do just with vision? In this module we work with the generation of blue colour on print, using the major light source available, the Sun. The Island of Amorgos is often referred to as “Le grand bleu” after the famous french film was shot at location. Its ancient name is “Melania”. “Melani”, the Greek word for ink, (“Melano” for dark blue, cyan) as it is said that in ancient times the place was covered with dark green flora. Our investigation begins exactly with this deep tint. We pay a visit to the famous monastery and the water oracle, walk the trails to observe the sensual -not only vision-based- shades of blue. In the spring term, we participate in local activities such as beach clean-up initiatives of the remote bays by local fishermen and their boats. We visit bee-hives and herb-distilleries, we work with the most basic bits and pieces of the island to capture its essence.

*special thanks to the Bleach kollektiv Athens for their help and support

Seminar held by Anna Rubi & Eirini Sourgiadaki - MA Transdisciplinary Studies of ZHdK

Investigating the Big Blue is a two-part module, a double-off-season exposure to the wilderness of the Aegean Archipelago.

In October 2023 we were the last visitors to leave the island before winter arrived. In April 2024 we were the first ones to open the season, right before the Greek Easter. We said our goodbyes with the early summer heat before the boat routes became frequent, the restaurants opened and the beach was taken over by tourists. The Island of Amorgos is often referred to as “Le grand bleu” after the famous french film was shot at location. Its ancient name is “Melania”. “Melani”, the Greek word for ink, (“Melano” for dark blue, cyan) as it is said that in ancient times the place was full of dark trees, most likely cedars.

Our investigation began with this deep tint. Blue is engraved both in contemporary Greek culture and in ancient mythologies, as representing the most dominant natural elements, carrying the power of warding off evil. In the same time throughout Art History it has been a prominent color embodying many shapes of the human experience: grief, melancholy, dreams, transcendence and power. The chosen method of analogue printmaking (cyanotype) provided the framework of our search, retaining tangible details of the island, yet remaining entirely detached from it, made with the simplest tools: sand, water, shadow and the sun.

This is a celebration of our circles there; the cyclical perceptions of time, circles of life, the Cyclades.

DAY 0: Journey