Delphinium Spell
a decoloured delphinium and its distilled colour pigments, isomalt, glass, metal
2024, various dimensions (glass sheets á 100×30 cm)
The artist extracted colours from delphiniums, leaving them pale and colourless. The distilled colour pigments were then conserved in transparent isomalt and displayed in laboratory glass vessels alongside the now-white plants.
For the works, the artist researched several old beliefs about plants. The flowers of Delphinium Spell, larkspurs, are familiar from many European protection spells. According to a medieval myth, delphiniums grew in the patches of grass where knights had wiped their swords after slaying a dragon. The dragon's blood and venom mixed to form a beautiful but poisonous flower.
Thanks:
Art work photos: Joe Clark, 2024
Exhibition views: Ama Gallery, Helsinki, 2024