Fern Fever
2020
During the 19th century, Victorians became obsessed with collecting ferns. The term coined for this craze was Pteridomania or Fern Fever. Fern collecting was a hobby that transcended class barriers and was one of the few avenues open to women who wanted to experience adventure. It was considered an acceptable healthy wholesome outdoor activity for women, who were allowed to engage in fern hunting unchaperoned.
Fern fever became an obsession in the decorative arts. Both fabrics and wallpapers were adorned with fern motifs. To achieve the rich colors arsenic was added to the pigments. Those who came in contact with these materials would often become ill and the possibility of violent death was not uncommon.
Ferns have been associated with the female sex. For example, Maidenhair, a type of fern has been used to reference pubic hair.
In this series, some of these women are being held captive, like the fern, in a constructed environment, while others are aware and are taking control.
24”X16 1/2” Archival Pigment Prints
Edition of 10
$950. each