Patricia Domínguez Chilean, b. 1984

Gemstones: Apatite; Garnet; Opal; Apache Gold; White Quartz; Topaz; Citrine; Rose Quartz; Amethyst; Marcasite; Carnelian; Moonstone; Labradorite

The ‘Electric Saga’ series of watercolours began with physical components from the machines Domínguez encountered at CERN and the ESO astronomical facilities in Chile that she visited on her Simetría residency. As the series progressed, the paintings became increasingly fantastical and otherworldly, no longer depicting what she had seen, but articulating the ways these machines expanded her thought processes.

Seeing the sidereal clocks of the ESO telescopes in the Atacama Desert, as well as speaking to astronomers, traditional Cueca singers and indigenous healers in the nearby towns, Domínguez began to consider different ways of measuring time, and dreamed of detaching herself from human rhythms and measuring systems to instead connect with other bodies, such as the moons in our solar system.

This painting takes inspiration from both moon charts and calendars and from science fiction – particularly in the figure’s outfit, in a style Domínguez playfully describes as ‘spiritual fiction.’