a l i c e
o l i v e r
a l i c e
o l i v e r
In an ongoing lyrical exploration into human and non-human nature, Alice examines and experiments within the relationship between the ancient landscape that surrounds her and the materiality of photography, exposing the natural cycles and examining the fate of not preserving the base of everything, the land from which we come. Alice's recent work exposes the intricacies of the intimate cyclical connections between women, celestial bodies, and the land. Alice's work utilisises the ancient light of the moon alongside cameraless analogue techniques to, quite literally, shed light on and visualise this knowledge of the sexual and reproductive female body that became lost to women in the face of modern medicine. These skills in healing, caring for and maintaining women’s bodies were deemed to be a threat to those in power within patriarchal societies; it was seen as Witchcraft.
The Wayside
Lunargrams
Made by placing a large sheet of light-sensitive paper directly into the hedgerow/wayside, and exposing them to moonlight. The wayside is rich with plants that have been historically used as contraceptives and abortifacients, such as Artemisia and Queen Anne's Lace.
Queen Anne's Lace
Lunar Photogram
Seeds are to be taken for seven days after unprotected intercourse
during the fertile period to help prevent fertilised eggs from implanting in the uterus.
Petri dish containing bacteria found in Rue
Used for a wide range of medical uses,
to treat the likes of worms, rheumatism, and hysteria, but
was most recognised as an abortifacient in classical antiquity
The Wayside
Lunar photograms
Made by placing a series of 8' x 10' sheets of light-sensitive paper directly into the hedgerow/wayside, and exposing them to moonlight.
Lunaria
Lunar Photogram
Dried seed heads symbolise fertility
Lunaria
Lunar Photogram
Dried seed heads symbolise fertility
Archive illustration
'The anatomy of the external forms of man' Fau, Julien, 1849, found at the Wellcome Collection.
With the natural spermicide, Gypsophila also known as Baby's Breath or Maiden's Breath, placed over the top.
The Wayside
Lunar photograms
Made by placing a series of 8' x 10' sheets of light-sensitive paper directly into the hedgerow/wayside, and exposing them to moonlight.
Previous work:
