Over time, the mineral rich paint will interact with the bacteria, fungi, lichens, mosses, and other organisms to influence new forms of growth and transform in appearance before being processed back into the earth below.
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Iron-rich pigments in the form of yellows, oranges, browns, and reds provide minerals required by lichen species.
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Prior to the painting of its surface, the rock-wall showcases subtle, but diverse colonies of microflora.
The Higher Pyrenees region where the village of Farrera sits is a biodiverse mountain-range that divides Catalonia and France.
Farrera is a Romanesque village that boasts centuries-old architectural forms. The town derives its name from the Catalan word for ‘iron,’ aptly titled for the colour-rich minerals found in the mountains.
Local rock-deposits produce a wide-range of mineral pigments in quantities large enough to manufacture paint. Here, a purple-brown variant of iron-oxide has been harvested, filtered, and bound to produce a water-soluble paint.
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Farrera is home to a metallic pigment derived from graphite schist. The result is a soft and supple paint that has a deep lustre.
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In total, eight pigments were isolated to create a spectrum of colours from which the living mural was produced.
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The mountain-side path is frequented by locals in daytime and evening trips. Depicted here are images of the mural seen by torchlight.
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I would like to acknowledge the support of the Centre d’Art i Natura in Farrera for providing me with the opportunity to study local pigments over the course of a research residency. The Centre provided the lodgings, studio space, and resources requ
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