We’ve had sharks in formaldehyde, unmade beds and stencilled street art, but the art world is now welcoming its latest trend and it is all about interaction. A new collection by artist Anna Zaphiri is leading the way and encouraging the viewer to become hands-on and control the works with the use of a remote control.
Zaphiri’s ‘Chemical Reaction’ is a new way of creating art; it begins with painting pure natural ink pigments then applying her secret formula before integrating latex as finishing touch. Having perfected the formula for years, the result is a stunning crackling effect that ensures each and every piece of work is a one-of-a-kind. Once complete, an LED lighting system, inspired by natural sunlight, is installed behind the artwork and can then be controlled with a remote device to keep the artwork ever-changing. As well visual stimulation, the materials used makes the art impossible not to touch.
“I love experimenting with new materials and techniques. After perfecting my ‘Lartex Imagery’ series, I wanted a new challenge so starting working with different raw materials to see what would happen when mixed together. I had previously visited rubber plantations in Malaysia and this gave me an understanding of how things could be manipulated to create something new. I actually stumbled upon the crackling effect by accident; I left one of my experiments outside to dry and when I went back to it the canvas has been transformed into this amazing, crackled, colourful creation,” Anna said.
“I continued to develop the work and eventually ‘Chemical Reaction’ was born. This collection is
all about literally creating ‘something from nothing’; using the earth’s raw materials in a creative way. I added the LEDs after seeing the natural sunlight when a piece of work was drying outside in my garden. It looks We’ve had sharks in formaldehyde, unmade beds and stencilled street art, but the art world is now welcoming its latest trend and it is all about interaction. A new collection by artist Anna Zaphiri is leading the way and encouraging the viewer to become hands-on and control the works with the use of a remote control.
Zaphiri’s ‘Chemical Reaction’ is a new way of creating art; it begins with painting pure natural ink pigments then applying her secret formula before integrating latex as finishing touch. Having perfected the formula for years, the result is a stunning crackling effect that ensures each and every piece of work is a one-of-a-kind. Once complete, an LED lighting system, inspired by natural sunlight, is installed behind the artwork and can then be controlled with a remote device to keep the artwork ever-changing. As well visual stimulation, the materials used makes the art impossible not to touch.
“I love experimenting with new materials and techniques. After perfecting my ‘Lartex Imagery’ series, I wanted a new challenge so starting working with different raw materials to see what would happen when mixed together. I had previously visited rubber plantations in Malaysia and this gave me an understanding of how things could be manipulated to create something new. I actually stumbled upon the crackling effect by accident; I left one of my experiments outside to dry and when I went back to it the canvas has been transformed into this amazing, crackled, colourful creation,” Anna said.
“I continued to develop the work and eventually ‘Chemical Reaction’ was born. This collection is amazing and I realised that I could make the audience the controller by adding remote controlled light. As well as galleries, this also means that it works well for retail stores, restaurants and clubs, as the work can help create different atmospheres depending on lighting and time of day,” she added.
‘Chemical Reaction’ was a labour of love for Anna; after months of experimenting she suffered everything from Potassium-burnt skin to electrocution. She is completely hands-on when creating the work; using a Chinese paint brush initially and then moving to her hands. The ink pigments from the earth are mixed with a series of chemicals and then infused with a liquid form of latex, before being left to dry. The end result is a collection of visually stunning pieces that encourage the audience to step in front of the viewing rope and become more involved with the work. The materials used even allow for the canvas to be cleaned, to preserve the paintings.
Born in Birmingham to a Greek-Cypriot family, Anna Zaphiri is one of Europe’s most exciting artists and her ‘Chemical Reaction’ collection is all about making art truly interactive again. Anna is a graduate of Birmingham City University’s School of Fine Art, and has taken part in a number of high profile group and solo exhibitions in London, Berlin, Cyprus and New York, and beyond.
The first piece of work from the collection has just gone on display, as part of the Hawkins & Blue ‘Pink Pop’ exhibition, which is currently at the Red Hand Gallery in Tufnell Park, London until 17 April.
To find out more about Anna and her work, including the ‘Chemical Reaction’, ‘Lartex Imagery’ and ‘Clay Sculptures’ collections, visit www.lartexcreations.com.
Saving...