oltremare

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Project cover © Lorenzo Di Lernia - On the covers and in the back, the title and the author's name are printed in white on white paper, barely visible. © Lorenzo Di Lernia - Image from the oltremare photography project View all images ↓
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A visual investigation into the outcomes of scientific processes in restoration. In particular, ultramarine blue extraction. Oltremare is a photographic book created as a Bachelor’s thesis in Visual Communication at SUPSI, Mendrisio (Switzerland).

What does it feel like when you visualize something invisible?

In the context of the restoration and conservation of cultural and artistic heritage, there are numerous technical and scientific processes that are totally hidden from a non-expert public, often accompanied by the use of non-visible light frequencies: infrared and ultraviolet rays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq-olxb_YY4

Oltremare is a photographic editorial project which, through an experimental approach to photography, aims to make visible some invisible scientific processes behind the world of restoration. Ultramarine Blue is extracted from lapis lazuli: a precious pigment that requires various technical processes for its extraction. Through the use of microscopes, non-visible lights, and modified cameras capable of detecting elements unknown to our reality, the artefact makes this process captivating and tangible. Thanks to the particular visual language chosen, it aims to give a different point of view on technical-scientific practices, making the subject attractive and accessible, approaching a different audience than professionals. Following a specific research on the technologies used in the world of cultural heritage conservation, and experimentation on the visual potential and limits of invisible frequencies in photography, the data and photos collected also aim to create a true visual representation of the places and processes analysed. The project also aims to be useful documentation for those working with scientific processes that are difficult to visualise. The shots chosen in the photo book represent the most iconic, surprising and fascinating moments of the investigation, and would like to create an abstract narrative in order to immerse the viewer in an unexplored world.

As the ancients went beyond the sea to find lapis lazuli, the project goes beyond the limits of the human eye, both physically and mentally. Through photographs, quotations, and short texts, oltremare attempts to enhance a little-known but extremely complex and varied reality.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Project cover
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Project cover

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - On the covers and in the back, the title and the author's name are printed in white on white paper, barely visible.
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On the covers and in the back, the title and the author's name are printed in white on white paper, barely visible.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Image from the oltremare photography project
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The glue used for the spine of the book, which is bound with thread sewing, is colored with artificial ultramarine blue pigment.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Polished lapis lazuli, irradiated with UV light, the calcite within it is luminescent and emits an orange color.
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Polished lapis lazuli, irradiated with UV light, the calcite within it is luminescent and emits an orange color.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Mastic, rosin, and beeswax crayon, used for extracting ultramarine blue from the stones.
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Mastic, rosin, and beeswax crayon, used for extracting ultramarine blue from the stones.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Neon laboratory lamp.
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Neon laboratory lamp.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Ground lapis lazuli, ultramarine ash.
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Ground lapis lazuli, ultramarine ash.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Lamp turned off, activated by ultraviolet light.
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Lamp turned off, activated by ultraviolet light.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Image from the oltremare photography project
© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Limestone sculpture weathered by time (Saltrio Stone).
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Limestone sculpture weathered by time (Saltrio Stone).

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Ultramarine blue applied with egg yolk.
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Ultramarine blue applied with egg yolk.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Plastic sheet for construction site work.
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Plastic sheet for construction site work.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Black sheet to protect the restorers from water.
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Black sheet to protect the restorers from water.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Oxidation of a gutter.
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Oxidation of a gutter.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Cracks in the compact ultramarine powder.
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Cracks in the compact ultramarine powder.

© Lorenzo Di Lernia - Image from the oltremare photography project
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“It is more powerful in its reality: it is good to have not only what men have thought and felt, but also what their hands have made, what their strength has worked on, what their eyes have gazed upon every day of their lives.” John Ruskin