Wormfood (2023)

Artist Statement

Reflecting upon the ageing and decaying process, Wormfood explores human mortality as well as the fragility and temporariness of life. The work raises questions about misconceptions surrounding age, in particular its association with death. 

Hopes portraits were transferred onto paper using the process of anthotypes, produced using spinach emulsion. As well as being a sustainable alternative, the imagery remains unfixed, causing the portraits to naturally fade due to exposure from UV light until the image is no longer visible. This process while reflecting ageing, also allows the project to continue without a definitive ending, similar to life cycles.​

Using paper as a metaphor for flesh, the paper continues to disintegrate, causing the imagery to become less recognisable and allowing vegetation to emerge, signifying new life. The paper returns to the soil much like flesh returns to the landscape. ​