Medieval Fair
2021
Set of monoprints
Photo credit: Lucy Newman
About
Developing images
A series of pictures created using the technique of mono printing. The process is approached as if making images in the darkroom, where printing ink stands in for developing fluids; the image is gradually built up and becomes apparent over time and layering. The format refers to a Polaroid. A bleed of some fluid refers to an inky, flat, hard to control, physical process. The images could also be seen as paintings of paintings. The odd blobs, shapes and compositions that appear in photography are welcome in these compositions.
A medieval view
The medieval fair is a re-enactment of the past. This fair was aiming for the authentic. Selling bolts of linen and wool, a calligrapher writing with oak gall ink, a maker of metal pilgrims badges. Horses tethered, birds of prey on arched stands, like the curve of a bow, and the not so real display of tortures to draw in a crowd. Tents, encampments, roasting meat and cooking stews. Inclement weather and some mud.
Costume and display
The participants were in costume and posed on display, attitudes define by their activities, such as metal work and spinning, and set to address the onlookers and fellow re-enactors. They are there to show and explore making and doing of the past.
People in the background
These images are also influence by the people, acting like extras in a film, rended by large brush strokes in historic paintings, where they are dwarfed by a landscape or city scene. They are like little models on a stage, clear to register from afar but rough and ill defined when you look up close.
Lucy Newman | Visual artist, UK 