Traces - Silvia De Giorgi (2019)
In Traces Silvia De Giorgi explores the documentary techniques involved in the conservation of prehistoric rock carvings.
Rock carvings are an important part of human history but they are rapidly being destroyed by changing environmental conditions. Usually situated in the open landscape, rock art is exposed to extreme weathering and air pollution. Traces emerges from collaboration with archaeologists and rock art specialists on the documentation of prehistoric rock carvings in the UNESCO world-heritage site of Tanum, Sweden. Conservation work at this heritage site concentrates on the rock panels that are most affected by the damage of changing climatic conditions. The archaeological frotage (i.e., a rubbing of the carved areas on the panel made with carbon paper) forms an important part of the recording process.
By adopting the frotage method, De Giorgi initiated a journey across the mountains and valleys of her home region in the Italian alps, to identify and register rock formations marked by its prehistoric inhabitants. The frotage created in this series not only document the geological features of the rock and the faint prehistoric carvings on its surface, but also work as a recorded dialogue between the rock face and the artist. They contain the memories and experiences of the hours and days spent working on site, within the land and in close contact to its history.
De Giorgi's work installations emphasize the process-led nature of her research. In exhibitions, the frotage are often accompanied by hand-printed photographs referencing the visited locations as well as by sketchbooks, working tools, and natural objects collected on site.Work created as part of this investigation have been exhibited at various London venues including Rebecca Hossack Gallery, Lewisham Art House, and the Wimbledon College of Arts.
Other graphic work by Silvia that engage the land and the landscape include the following:
Silvia’s photography is also of importance:
Landscape Pieces: Liquid Landscapes
Silvia De Giorgi is an artist and photographer based between Oslo and Bolzano. She received a Master of Arts in Drawing from University of the Arts London in 2019. Contact info is as follows:
Email: info@silvia-degiorgi.com
Website: silvia-degiorgi.com
Instagram: @silvia.de.giorgi
Copyright and photo credit: Silvia De Giorgi (2019).
Copyright and photo credit: Silvia De Giorgi (2019).
Copyright and photo credit: Silvia De Giorgi (2019).
Copyright and photo credit: Silvia De Giorgi (2019).