Inspired by English novelist Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Mary Shelley was a literary luminary of the 19th century who etched her name into the annals of literature with a gothic horror creation that transcended the boundaries of fiction: 'Frankenstein'
Considered an early example of science fiction, this wildly inventive and strikingly original tale was influenced by Mary’s passion for science, experimentation and thirst for knowledge. Born into a circle of intellectual giants, her imagination was nurtured by poets and philosophers. At the age of 18, she penned the seminal work that would define the Gothic genre and endure as a timeless exploration of the human condition.
Beyond her groundbreaking novel, Mary Shelley's life was marked by resilience and creativity. She grappled with personal tragedies and navigated the complexities of love, loss, and intellectual pursuit. Her writings, which extended beyond 'Frankenstein' to encompass travel narratives, essays, and novels, revealed a keen intellect and a profound understanding of the human psyche. Mary Shelley's legacy is one of innovation, courage, and the enduring power of storytelling. Her masterpiece challenged the boundaries of science and ethics, leaving an indelible mark on literature and popular culture.
Technique
Galvanised! was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, photograms made from petri dish cultures and antique slides of microscopic cells, and an illustration of a foxes skull.
- Collections: Chloe McCarrick