Blot Series (2003)

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Fujichrome Lightjet photograph, 80″ x 26.5″. Mounted on aluminium, front-mounted with acrylic. Edition of 10

The ‘Blot’ Series (2003) takes its name from the process of using a ‘blot’ or random instant mark as the source of inspiration. The Victoria and Albert Museum, London commissioned the first works in the series. The composition of the images was a response to the V&A’s British Watercolour Collection. The works focus on particular locations that combine reflecting pools and natural sublime landscapes with icons of the industrial or technological sublime (aggregate works, power stations and other cathedrals of industry).

In addition to the underlying photograph, which was shot using a traditional 6:17 Fuji panoramic camera, there is a digital element to these pieces that is derived from fractal mathematics. Mathematical code, written by one of Prophet’s long-term collaborators, Gordon Selley, generates the trees and other wire-line forms seen in these images. Different 3D structures are produced each time the bespoke program runs. Prophet responds to the images and the code is altered accordingly to produce different outputs. Small changes to random numbers in mathematical equations result in huge shifts in the final form of the works.

Editions of this work are held by The National Collection, Arts Council England. British Airways. Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom.