The awe-inspiring cyanotype photographs beautifully showcase the spirit and mastery of the Icelandic Printmakers Association’s print shop, set amidst the spellbinding environs of Hafnarhúsið, Reykjavík. These captivating images unveil a mesmerizing universe of intricately arranged ‘nature morte’ compositions and captivating abstract details, providing a profound glimpse into the exceptional creativity and skill of the print shop’s members, leaving a lasting impact on all who behold them.
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. These are then bleached and toned in a solution from red pine bark, which tints the paper and gives the darker tones a metallic feel and the lighter shades a rusty style that suits the subject matter perfectly.
