HB Pencil on Card. A3.
I had the opportunity to visit “Refloresta” with some friends, during which we took part in a self-guided drawing session. “Refloresta” is an installation piece, by Brazilian artist Maria Nepomuceno, currently on loan to the 215 year old Portico Library in Manchester. Pieces created during the self-guided drawing sessions will be placed together and handbound and placed in the Library’s collection.
The photos shown of the installation do no justice to the Library, the Installation or the Artist.
The piece is displayed around the reading room, draped from and woven around the ancient bookcases, making it seem like you were underwater – exploring an old sunken galleon, with jewels and sea creatures everywhere. It is incredibly surreal, but there is a beauty in the bright/saturated colours taking over the old stained oak structure.
In the end, I chose to draw one of the smaller pieces. Hidden off to one side, on a window ledge, is a smaller piece. On one hand, it was almost neglected – separated from the “main” piece. On the other, it was basking in some pretty strong sunlight, which created some nice contrast. It was shining in its own right.
Other photos of the installation
