ILIYANA GRIGOROVA

Changemakers (2024)

Cyanotype

27 pieces in A4 frames (29,7×21 cm each): 26 portraits and one mirror

“Choice? The intersection that determines the direction in our lives builds our essence. We are a projection, a reflection of our own decisions, embodying the change that constantly befalls us. In the portraits, we see the choices made, and we anticipate the ones to come. We observe and understand the play of decisions and changes shaping each. Portraits represent change, the future and the choices we make. In everyone’s eyes, we read his choice.

Inspired by a one-week stay in Brussels, where together with 43 other artists from different countries, we led discussions about the EU, its involvement in our lives and the upcoming elections for the European Parliament. The 27 portraits represent the number of countries part of the EU. The mirror in between the portraits invites the viewer to become one of the “changemakers”.

The portraits were printed using the Cyanotype photographic process — a technique developed in 1842. At first, it was used to copy architectural drawings. The first photographic book (Anna Atkins’ botanical work) was printed with this technique. The emulsion containing iron salts is applied to the paper and thus it becomes light sensitive. A negative is placed on the soaked surface, which is exposed to the sun for a few minutes. Chemicals are only affected by UV rays in the solar spectrum. To stop the exposure process and to fix the image, the sheet is washed in water. The oxygen in the water interacts with the iron particles in the emulsion and the blue color is produced as a side reaction of the chemical process. Cyanotype is an ecological photographic process. The image undergoes a series of changes to arrive at its “final” form. Some of the images on the wall are tinted with turmeric and coffee.”

Research book

Size: A4“The research book I made during the creation of the portraits. It contains the names of the changemakers and their professions, thoughts, experiments, inspiration from other artists. It’s a very interesting and engaging piece.”