"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.

The Archipelago of Doubt

You say to the boy open your eyes

I blue come forth
I blue arise
I blue ascend
I blue come in

Archaic powers of sun and water
Awake to life
An imprint, a trace, a contour, an essence
A body of water
A membrane
A blue memory

The round mirror magnifies
The naked retina of sun
The light refracts sadness
The drowning of an eclipse

Scanning the topography of light
Something is gained, something is lost
So much beyond control

The eyes of the seaweed are turned to the sea
The turtle's hand is trapped in uncertainty

Betrayal is the oxygen of the devilry
Back to unforming, unlearning
Blue becomes white as we glide in the foam of velocity

What are you looking for
Yes, no, perhaps

——
Thanks to:
Ludwig Lederer
Tsz Hei Fung
Soraya Thashima Rutschmann

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