Artworks

Theadora Ballantyne-Way ARE Elected ARE 2022

Sunrise Premonition

polymer photogravure, edition of 30

Image size 21 x 30 cm

paper size 30 x 42cm

£160 unframed

Taking everyday objects, Theadora fuses them into romanticised suburban landscapes in the great tradition of surrealist art. In much of her practice, mundane utensils become monumental industrial components; a transformation that elevates them into objects of aesthetic consideration and bizarre emblems of middle-class terror. Her enlargement of these objects are as much a critique of consumer habits as they are a celebration of the surreal – a playful conceit on the rich history of the English pastoral. Probing at our sense of perception, her use of the textures and antiquated processes of traditional printmaking produces a false sense of legitimacy; one that is at odds with most contemporary image production.

Sunrise Premonition is a polymer photogravure combining drawing and photomontage on light sensitive plates. Theadora specialises in capturing the subtle tonal qualities and fine detail achievable through photopolymer using predominantly black ink to create atmosphere and form. By skilfully varying process variables such as printing curves, UV exposure times, ink mix and wiping techniques she captures all tones to create striking effects.

Theadora’s work has been exhibited widely across the UK and was featured in Art Innovation at Goldsmiths and Kyoto University, the London Original Print Fair, Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair and Saatchi Screen. In 2022 she was awarded first prize at RBSA’s Print Prize.