Atoyac River: Oaxaca, Mexico 2012 > Purification Paintings

The Purification Paintings are created out of stretched activated charcoal cloth* on 20" x 20" stretchers.
The works were brought to the riverbanks of the Atoyac River, where they were immersed in the river to absorb pollutants in the water and mud. Marks and lines were created by the river currant as the painting absorbed the river's pollutants. The final images are a collaboration between the Atoyac River and the artist.

*Activated Carbon (Charcoal) Fiber Cloth was originally invented by the British Ministry of Defense for inclusion in chemical warfare suits. Today it has been developed for use in many odor control situations including industrial, medical, and domestic applications." (description taken from http://www.buyactivatedcharcoal.com)