Autumn Garden showcases a collection of stunning cyanotypes capturing the intricate details of a domestic garden in Reykjavík during the autumn season. The photographs focus on the close-up shots of the plants as they undergo the gradual process of decay, unveiling a mesmerizing array of natural textures and intertwining patterns. The visual allure of these scenes is further enhanced by the cyanotype process, promising to immerse and fascinate our audience.
Cyanotype photographs: the process
These images are not mere photographs but a testament to the meticulous artistry of the cyanotype process, which traces its origins back to 1842. A solution of photosensitive iron salts is delicately painted upon watercolour paper. Once dry, a digital negative is carefully sandwiched with the paper and illuminated with ultraviolet light. The resulting blue image is a cyanotype photograph, a unique and captivating art form. I then lightly bleached the image before toning it in tannic acid, adding depth and character to the composition with darker iron grey and lighter reddish brown hues.
