Coming out Under Fire.
A visually cohesive, 10-part A3 poster series commemorating pivotal moments in LGBT history using the tactile, historic medium of cyanotype printing.
Scope
Client
Duration
Year
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Challenge
(01)
The goal was to transform historical events into compelling visual narratives using cyanotype printing
The goal was to transform historical events into compelling visual narratives using cyanotype printing; A highly temperamental, light-sensitive process.
To create the compositions, I designed the intricate collages in Photoshop first. The critical hurdle was the technical setup: I had to invert the imagery and typography perfectly into digital negatives to ensure the UV light would correctly expose the final prints. Because cyanotype is completely dependent on UV exposure, finding a reliable light source and mastering the timing was a massive initial hurdle.
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Process
(02)
Before committing to the final series, I ran extensive material tests on scrap fabric and paper to understand how the chemicals reacted.
Light Source Exploration: I experimented with different UV methods, testing a UV nail lamp alongside natural sunlight. The results varied wildly, as visualised in the test prints below.
Environmental Adaptation: A major part of the process was troubleshooting the environment. Most of the instructional research I found was filmed in consistently sunny American climates like Arizona or California. Doing this project during a February in Ireland meant underestimating the weather was a real risk, requiring me to pivot and wait for a rare window of clear, strong sunlight to expose the final series.
I had to put the project on hold at points due to rain, fog & cloud. The results below are examples of overcast days
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Outcome
(03)
The project received strong praise from my university lecturers for the level of experimentation and printmaking skill involved.
The final 10-part A3 series successfully captured the gritty, textural, and bold contrast I was aiming for to celebrate the perseverance of the LGBT community. Ultimately, I was able to gift the complete 10-part series to my university, where it was permanently put up on display.
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