Influence of the Moon on Bodies of Water
seashells, coral skeletons, and limestone collected from various shores on glass, metal shelves (works painted at different stages of the lunar cycle)
2020, a series of eight paintings, á 35x25 cm
Limestone, seashells, and pieces of dead corals drifted ashore at the northern and southern seas were collected at different times of the tide. From the collected materials the artist ground pigments with which she painted an adaptation of old alchemical illustrations on glass; a female figure with a lunar head inside of a flask. Each work in the series is painted at a different stage of the lunar cycle; a painting depicting the full moon at the time of the full moon, a painting depicting the new moon at the time of the new moon, etc.
The moon controls the movements of the tides, and in Finnish folklore, it also defined the lives of the people. The different stages of the lunar cycle influenced the choice of a favourable time to do different jobs. Also in alchemy, the correct position of the celestial bodies was essential for the success of the working phase.
Thanks:
Technical support / materials from Portugal, Indonesia and Norway: Ana Jordão, Bawep Kapalatama and Emmi Salonen, artist’s friends and family
Project location / materials: Norwegian Sea: Lofoten, Norway / the Baltic Sea: Turku Archipelago, Finland and Rügen, Germany / the Caribbean Sea: Cartagena, Colombia / the Atlantic Ocean: Carcavelos Beach, Portugal / Indian Ocean: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Exhibition views: Ama Gallery, Helsinki, 2021
During the waxing moon it is good to plant on the surface of the ground, make fish traps, cut wood and logs, bake, and mason ovens. During the waning moon, it is good to get rid of pests, clean up, wash laundry, prune willows, and plant potatoes and other root vegetables.
Anne Pöyhönen, Waxing and Waning Moon - the Art of Timing in the Finnish Folklore, 2005