CYNTHIA FARNELL STUDIO
Metamorphoses
This work is based on the epic poem, the Metamorphoses by the Roman poet Ovid (43 BCE – 17 CE). I’m drawn to this poem because of the overall theme of transformation and its limitless supply of images. The Metamorphoses provides me with a playful arena in which to explore symbols and metaphors and how they have been embedded in the human psyche over time.
In this project my method of working was very intuitive. I chose myths and characters for visual elaboration based on personal aesthetic preferences. The narratives that held the most possibilities for me are the ones I pursued compositionally. The transformation myths that inspired this installation are Arachne and Athena, Byblis and Caunus, Apollo and Daphne, Diana and Actaeon, Jove and Danae, Phaethon and Phoebus and Narcissus. I also included the characters of Ceres, Chloris and Neptune who appealed to me iconographically but are not associated here with a specific narrative.
12 pigment inkjet prints on cotton lawn. Each print 72"h x 36"w.
Frieze was a triptych of 3 fabric panels printed with starch images. They became visible when iodine was applied to the fabric.
Frieze was a triptych of three fabric panels printed with starch images. They became visible when iodine was applied to the fabric.
Pigment inkjet print on cotton lawn. 72"h x 36"w.
Pigment inkjet print on cotton lawn. 72"h x 36"w.
Pigment inkjet print on cotton lawn. 72"h x 36"w.
Pigment inkjet print on cotton lawn. 72"h x 36"w.
Pigment inkjet print on cotton lawn. 72"h x 36"w.
Pigment inkjet print on cotton lawn. 72"h x 36"w.