The great work

Alchemy attempted to convert lesser metals into more valuable ones and was the backbone of early science in not only Europe but around the world; many alchemists were attempting to create gold through various stages of conversations, while others were searching for the elixir of life. During the Post-Renaissance period in Europe, however, alchemy was in decline as philosophers and early chemists were abandoning the mysticism of alchemy for empirical-based research which became the foundation of modern chemistry. This transition occurred in parallel with Copernicus and Kepler who reimagined our place in the Universe by distancing religion from science. 

Art shares many similarities with alchemy. It is the artist’s job to convert lesser materials into something greater, something of more value, and something that will outlive the artist itself. In The great work, Paluzzi addresses this act directly by creating seven abstract, metallic pieces that follow the seven classical stages of transmutation. Each steel plate in the series is created through chemical conversion by bathing the plates in metallic solutions which layer metal onto metal. Although the finished pieces are abstract, the creation is deliberate and follows recipes from alchemists.

A bare steel plate is placed in a salt bath overnight to clean the metal. In the morning, the salt solution is mixed with various solutions containing silver, iron, copper, and gold that slowly begin to stain the steel plate. This staining is a result of a chemical reaction between the metallic solutions and the steel plate. As the chemical reaction takes place, I agitate the bath to create unique patterns on the steel plate. 

Some chemical reactions take only a few minutes, while others may take a few days. Once the chemical reaction is finished, I remove the metal plate and let it dry overnight. In the morning, I varnish the front of the piece to prevent any further changes.