Joana Schneider
Marathon, 2023
Discarded rope and rescued viscose yarn, natural dyed with madder, coffee and rust
The viscose yarn is fully natural dyed in madder and annatto, which are some of the oldest pigments historically used to dye textiles.
The viscose yarn is fully natural dyed in madder and annatto, which are some of the oldest pigments historically used to dye textiles.
235 x 150 x 40 cm
Copyright The Artist
Through the use of natural pigments, the artwork explores the concept of nature as a currency that has historically driven economic growth and cultural exchange. By delving into the rich...
Through the use of natural pigments, the artwork explores the concept of nature as a currency that has historically driven economic growth and cultural exchange. By delving into the rich history of natural dyes, the artwork aims to draw attention to the intricate and diverse nature that transcends human understanding. It serves as a reminder to viewers of the complexity of the natural world and encourages a deeper appreciation for its beauty and significance.
To create this piece, the viscose yarn was naturally dyed using madder and annatto pigments. These pigments have been used for centuries in food and textiles. Annatto, derived from the seeds of the Achiote tree found in tropical regions of the Americas, has a wide range of applications, including colouring cheese and butter, as well as serving as a natural alternative to synthetic food dyes. Madder, on the other hand, is a red pigment derived from the roots of the madder plant and was a popular dye used to colour textiles, leather, and paper in medieval Europe. Today, it is still used in traditional textile production as a natural dye and pigment.
Historically, natural pigments such as madder and annatto were valuable commodities and were traded across great distances.
The trade in these pigments, along with other natural resources, helped to fuel economic growth and cultural exchange in many parts of the world.
In some cultures, certain pigments held a special currency and were used as a form of payment or as gifts to demonstrate wealth and status. For example, the ancient Maya civilization used cochineal, a red pigment derived from insects, as a form of currency.
The value of natural pigments was not just based on their beauty or usefulness, but also on their rarity and the effort required to obtain them.
Today, the use of natural pigments is valued not only for their aesthetic properties but also for their sustainability and eco-friendliness. The demand for natural pigments has led to the development of sustainable harvesting and production practices that support local communities and promote biodiversity. Natural pigments are also used in many artisanal and small-scale industries, providing economic opportunities for communities around the world.
To create this piece, the viscose yarn was naturally dyed using madder and annatto pigments. These pigments have been used for centuries in food and textiles. Annatto, derived from the seeds of the Achiote tree found in tropical regions of the Americas, has a wide range of applications, including colouring cheese and butter, as well as serving as a natural alternative to synthetic food dyes. Madder, on the other hand, is a red pigment derived from the roots of the madder plant and was a popular dye used to colour textiles, leather, and paper in medieval Europe. Today, it is still used in traditional textile production as a natural dye and pigment.
Historically, natural pigments such as madder and annatto were valuable commodities and were traded across great distances.
The trade in these pigments, along with other natural resources, helped to fuel economic growth and cultural exchange in many parts of the world.
In some cultures, certain pigments held a special currency and were used as a form of payment or as gifts to demonstrate wealth and status. For example, the ancient Maya civilization used cochineal, a red pigment derived from insects, as a form of currency.
The value of natural pigments was not just based on their beauty or usefulness, but also on their rarity and the effort required to obtain them.
Today, the use of natural pigments is valued not only for their aesthetic properties but also for their sustainability and eco-friendliness. The demand for natural pigments has led to the development of sustainable harvesting and production practices that support local communities and promote biodiversity. Natural pigments are also used in many artisanal and small-scale industries, providing economic opportunities for communities around the world.