Hope Connachan-Holmes

Full Volume features large scale, hyper-real and hyper-saturated alcohol marker paintings of pink and orange carnations. Their dramatic layers of ruffled petals and vibrant colours seduce and draw the viewer in. Materials for the collection are largely sourced second hand, end-of-roll or deadstock from local Bridal shops in Edinburgh. The once white or ivory dresses, trains and veils are transformed - through dyes, screen-printing and digital printing - to create vibrant, other-worldly, extravagant textiles.

Inspired by halftone screen-printing techniques and aesthetics, the carnation drawings were separated into the four CMYK Process printing layers (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) and exposed onto screen-printing screens. As each layer is hand-printed on top of the other, the colours and halftone dots blend together to create the full spectrum of colours featured in the original drawing.

As well as referring to the voluptuous ruffles of carnation flowers, ‘Full Volume’ can be interpreted as a joyful exclamation, shouted at the top of one’s voice. Full Volume: A Kaleidoscopic Rhapsody celebrates the return of live music and noise - following the silence and isolation of the covid-19 pandemic.

A key foundation to this collection was the juxtaposition between soft, frilly florals and loud, rock music. The two converge within the collection - where delicate floral patterns can be found within photographs of rock concert crowds.