Siren Songs (Swirling Over Bottle Green Seas)

Title | Siren Songs (Swirling Over Bottle Green Seas) Type | Original Cyanotype
Inspiration | Sirens
Year | 2024

Materials | Cyanotype, handmade paper, dyed oxidized silver leaf 5.7in frame diameter x 1.2in frame depth

Inspiration-

The Greek mythological winged creatures, Sirens and Harpies, were bird-human hybrids; they can be found in 'The Odyssey' and the Seventh Circle in Dante's 'Inferno'.

Sirens and harpies are seen as feminist icons who subvert traditional gender roles and challenge patriarchal power structures. In ancient mythology, Sirens were depicted as powerful women who used their singing voices to lure sailors to their death, thereby asserting their independence and agency. Harpies, similarly, were fierce creatures who defied male authority and were not afraid to use their power to get what they wanted. In modern interpretations, these figures have been reclaimed as symbols of female strength and empowerment. By embracing these characters, feminists can reclaim the narrative and redefine them as symbols of women's strength and resistance to patriarchal oppression.

Through the ages, sirens have continued to inspire art, literature, and music, embodying the duality of desire and danger. They remind us that while the allure of the unknown can be captivating, it also demands caution and mindfulness. In their timeless appeal, the sirens continue to echo the complexities of human nature and our eternal fascination with the mysteries of the deep.

Technique-

Siren Songs was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture combined with illustrations of birds making up a flowing gown.

After coating the handmade paper with light-sensitive chemistry, it is left to dry in a dark room. The large scale negative is then contact printed onto the paper by exposure to daylight (UV rays). The print is then processed by thoroughly washing in water to remove

any unexposed solution. It can then be hung to dry, developing to full density Prussian blue after 24 hours. Once dried I apply hand dyed, oxidised silver leaf before framing.

Dimensions

Framed: 5.7in frame diameter x 1.2in frame depth

Paper

Handmade recycled cotton rag paper:
150gsm / 100% Cotton Rag / Recycled / Acid Free / Medium Rough

Mount

We use float mounting for all of our framed cyanotypes. The artwork floats above a snow-white, Larson- Juhl 1400 microns (8001 white core mount board), to showcase the paper texture and deckled edging.

Framing

Framed artwork will arrive ready to hang. Each frame is handmade by our London based design team.

All frames come with gallery spec, Artglass AR70 / 3mm anti-reflective/ 79% UV protected glazing as standard.

If clients would like a bespoke frame, please let me know as I can have them made in alternative colours, gilding and glazing options.