Exposed to the elements: representations of atmospheric phenomena and the construction of a cultural psyche

By referencing images and texts of selected nineteenth century artists and writers, I will elucidate the ways in which experiences and representations of atmospheric phenomena have permeated the English cultural psyche and become a significant element in the definition of Englishness.<br><br>The inherent properties of printmaking, such as sameness and difference and repetition and reproduction will be investigated, properties that underpin our readings of atmospheric phenomena. The main emphases of this research are the elemental forces of the weather, the transitory effects of light and atmosphere and their influence on the psyche.<br><br>I will employ a diversity of media to investigate the potential for Printmaking to enhance representations of atmospheric phenomena. This will include traditional printmaking techniques such as relief printing alongside more contemporary means of reproduction and replication such as digital imaging and photography. I will encompass a wide range of formal vocabularies from minimalism to text-based conceptualism in the production of the work.<br><br>The key questions of this research project are:<br><br>• What significant changes occurred in the culture of early nineteenth century England that inspired artists and writers to place such particular significance on the representation of atmospheric phenomena?<br><br>• In what ways have atmospheric phenomena and daily experiences of the weather entered the English cultural psyche?<br><br>• In what ways can print media be utilised to interpret nineteenth century images and texts and give them significance in contemporary art practice? The project will culminate in a body of print media based work and an exegesis that will contextualise the visual research.