Elena Vittoria Bevilacqua
Alchemical Mandalas
Alchemical Mandalas is a series of lumen prints and photograms (cameraless photography), which I make using different light sources and homemade eco-friendly alternative chemicals.
Inspired by Rorschach inkblots, mandalas, and Jungian psychology, the series stems from the Impressio Naturae photograms. It features botanical elements, feathers, lichens, and other organic materials, as well as electronic components sourced from e-waste. These elements symbolise opposing forces, such as rational and irrational and natural and artificial, while symmetry symbolises cosmic harmony.
Crafted through a meditative and alchemical darkroom process, these compositions reflect the journey of the mind towards balance - the visual balance reflects the inner balance, and vice versa.
The series envisions humanity's future state of harmony with nature, picturing the man's mind in the peaceful Symbiocene era.
Photogram
Negative
Kentmere VC Select paper
17.8 x 12.7 cm
Lumen print
Negative
Kentmere VC Select paper
17.8 x 12.7 cm
Reverso print
Kentmere VC Select paper
17.8 x 12.7 cm
By developing the lumen print, it transitions into an intermediate state between negative and positive. I call this type of lumen print the Reverso print to distinguish it from the undeveloped ones.
Gallery
