‘Morphologies’ is a set of 12 prints (editions variable) which explore our ever changing micro and macro environments through rigorous working on one zinc plate over 12 weeks. Process such as etching on ground, aquatint, chine-collet and engraving on the plate - constantly shifting form, boundaries and texture with each stage, is central to this series.
The intention was to arrive at changing forms and tonal scapes on paper using rigorous intaglio printmaking processes, impressions from found objects such as leaves, twigs and shells, and intuitive map-drawings. The work is akin to the act of walking and transmuting through ever changing internal and external experiences.
Through this work, I’ve attempted to explore Fungi intelligence and the role of fungi systems in the context of the rapidly urgent planetary crisis. Fungi are seen to be between the plant and animal worlds, as the circulatory systems of the planet and a vast carbon sink with an ability to absorb 8 times the carbon than that of spaces without fungi. The ability of fungi systems to exist through environmental and social trials, to re-wire and find new pathways could be an important way of looking at ecological and personal challenges we are facing.
The physical form of fungi, its growth and mutation and layers with bodies, buildings and ecology is a key visual feature of this work.
(Text by Himani Gupta)
