Technique:
This artwork utilizes a large sheet of paper as a support. Initially, the paper was fully and densely coated with numerous layers of graphite powder, resulting in a perfectly opaque and uniform patina. Subsequently, the frottage technique was employed to craft the relief.
Concept of the artwork:
The objective was to initially employ the frottage technique, typically used for sampling textures of hard materials through rubbing, in an unconventional manner, namely to portray the texture of a liquid surface, specifically that of a body of water.
To craft this artwork, the decision was made to employ the technique to capture the texture of the central part of a frozen lake and that of its weakest, least cohesive spot in the process of melting.
When appropriate climate conditions were met – specifically, sub-zero temperatures coupled with the warmth of the sun – the exact form of the water’s motion could be captured. In the process of freezing, water has the ability to gradually solidify its appearance, ‘freezing’ each moment of movement. This phenomenon is commonly observed in frozen fountains or waterfalls.
The artwork was crafted through a reverse process, specifically a gradual thawing, where the thick layer of ice revealed its intricate and complex internal structure. This process captured elements of motion, uniting both solid and liquid aesthetics.
Therefore, the artwork adeptly captures a dynamic image in a sculptural form, presenting a novel appearance reminiscent of dark, reflective rocky cavities or dense folds. The gloss of the graphite and the raised surfaces of the reliefs envelop and intertwine with the paper so profoundly that its fundamental composition is altered, submerging the artwork in an apparently paradoxical material structure.