"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.

Micol Favini – THE SOUND OF SUN

The island is constantly lashed and shaped by wind and sea, sun and salt, rumbles and chants. After learning about the impact of the 1956 earthquake and tsunami in Amorgos, vibrations took on even more significance, giving me the impression of being immersed in a fascinating, turbulent and resilient environment.

My intention was describing the island through its vibrating sounds and find a way to translate them into the paper. Inspired by the Chladni plates, I built an oscillating plate system with a speaker and a transparent surface. I made resonate the plate using recordings of the island and its sand. I then cyanotype the pattern created by the different frequencies.

Sound1: a ferry approaching the island

Sound2: a chant (recording by Sébastien Mitra)

Sound3: a beehive

Sound4: a monatery bell

Sound5: sonification of the sun

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