In a compelling new exhibition, artist Theodore Ereira-Guyer invites viewers to explore the intricate relationship between memory, time, and printmaking. His unique process, which primarily involves etching on paper and plaster, reflects a fascinating loss of information akin to the fading nature of memory itself. Ereira-Guyer transforms the traditionally reproducible medium into unique artworks, where each print captures different aspects of the plate, evoking the ephemeral quality of time.
Central to the exhibition is a striking pond installation crafted from aluminium and filled with water. This pond showcases a selection of portraits etched into plaster, from which water will flow, cascading from the eyes or mouths of the works. This dynamic element suggests acts of crying or singing, enriching the emotional landscape of the exhibition. Ereira-Guyer explains, “There is a silence to the running of water, a timeless silence of fountains and rivers… thinking about these acts as elementary parts of humanity and our lives.”
The exhibition will also feature additional portraits placed throughout the space, creating an atmosphere where these figures appear to observe the viewers. Drawing inspiration from ancient death masks and antique books, Ereira-Guyer’s works evoke a sense of familiarity while remaining elusive. The faces represent layered histories rather than fixed moments, reflecting the unreliability of memory itself.
Surrounding the pond, visitors will encounter etchings of tortoises and sleeping lions, which allude to themes of wisdom and vulnerability. Ereira-Guyer considers the tortoise a symbol of eternal wisdom, while the sleeping lion represents power in a harmless form. The exhibition also includes etchings of forests and deserts, highlighting the transformative qualities of the etching process. Ereira-Guyer notes that deserts, once vibrant seas, echo the traces of history, much like fading frescoes that suggest a glorious past.
Unlike traditional printmaking methods, Ereira-Guyer’s technique involves applying a thick layer of wet plaster over the etched and inked plate. As the plaster sets, it absorbs the ink, producing a tactile and textured result reminiscent of ancient cave paintings and archaeological ruins. This approach, combined with a contemporary aesthetic, invites viewers to excavate the past through the artist’s unique lens.
The exhibition will also feature large bronze casts of faces, which straddle the line between figurative and abstract art. Ereira-Guyer likens bronze casting to printmaking, where the transfer of details parallels the act of remembering. The bronze pieces vary in treatment, some polished to a bright finish while others are heat-treated to evoke celestial hues, representing the duality of day and night.
Throughout his practice, Ereira-Guyer employs a variety of techniques, often layering and subtracting materials from the etching plate. His innovative use of acid creates rich textures, while rust and oxidation become integral to the work’s aesthetic. The artist embraces the unpredictability of his process, capturing traces of history and mark-making that reflect the entropy of life.
This exhibition will be complemented by a printed publication featuring an essay by Tom Jeffreys, further exploring Ereira-Guyer’s artistic vision. The artist extends his gratitude to Katrin Hanusch from the Foundry Make Touch and Oliver Kilby from Squared Framing for their support in bringing this exhibition to life.
