Cyanotype

Cyanotype, a term derived from the Ancient Greek: κυάνεος, kyáneos ’dark blue,’ and τύπος, týpos ’mark, impression, type,’ is known in basic terms as a photographic blueprint.

The cyanotype process was invented by the astronomer and chemist John Frederick William Herschel (British, 1792–1871) and featured in his paper “On the Action of the Rays of the Solar Spectrum on Vegetable Colors and on Some New Photographic Processes,” which was presented to the Royal Society of London on June 16, 1842.

This process was not widely used as a final format process until it gained popularity in the early 1900s. Amateur photographers started using the cyanotype process because of its low cost and easy processing. Likewise, cyanotypes on fabric only became popular in the late 19th century when they were used as home decorative and novelty objects. Cyanotypes on fabric were used as sheets, lampshades, pillows, blankets, quilts, and other interesting home decorative elements. It has currently been incorporated into textile art in a creative and innovative way.

In this exhibition, four artists showcase different ways of approaching the cyanotype technique in their artworks. The artists include: bailey macabre, Shane Booth, Morgan Ford Willingham, and Patricia Gaddis.

Cost

Free

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