Juliana Gagné

These images are made by taking a disposable camera that I destroy in the process of shooting. The lens is colored, cameras are: stabbed, smashed, left outside during storms, or are taken for a swim (they are not waterproof). After the roll is finished the entire camera is “souped” in a variety of liquids, detergents, medicine and spices. After film souping the camera is frozen for 1-14 days and thawed before developing. Photos are not edited.

The anthoype is an ancient type of photography invented by polymath Mary Somerville. Using plants as a photosensitive emulsion (in this series I utilized spinach, turmeric and beets) I then take my modified frame and place the dried plants on top of the coated paper. I then use the sun to expose the image over a series of days or weeks. The emulsion will naturally fade over time, some faster than others. I then took a linoleum block and carved the boat and printed it at my home studio. Once the ink from the boat was dried I used archival Micron pens to illustrate the original plants and fill in with my symbolic designs.

I have been interested in the boat motif as a commonality between all of my ancestors who immigrated to Turtle Island from Europe. No matter which country they came from, they all arrived on boats. I have a long history of fishing on both sides of my family and being with my family in a boat with fishing rods in the water feels like home.

Due to time and limited space, not all of the writing and art I was working on for the show were able to be included.

The following are artworks that are not on display in-person at the Scandinavian Cultural Center and Library during January-February 2025.