Investigation on Xerography in the early artistic production of Eugènia Balcells: Ophelia, variacions sobre una imatge (1979) and Xerox Music (1981).

Abstract

The article analyzes the use of xerographic technique by the Catalan artist Eugènia Balcells in two of her works, Ophelia, variacions sobre una imatge (1979) and Xerox Music (1981). Both works highlight the unique characteristics of this expressive medium. The first paragraph emphasizes the essence of xerography, specifically the use of the XEROX photocopier, an entirely non-artistic and unconventional tool that becomes the preferred industrial material for creating not mere duplicates but something entirely new and unique. In both works, the inherent characteristics of the machine - such as errors and streaks - are enhanced and exploited in constructing the artwork, whether it is an artist's book or a musical score. This approach aligns Balcells' research with that of Milanese artist Bruno Munari, a pioneer in Italy in the artistic use of this technique.

The second paragraph focuses on the innovative aspect introduced by the Catalan artist. Xerography is presented as an intermediary form, a bridge between different media. The xerographs are not merely final results or self-contained artistic products but starting points that allow for flexible transitions from one medium to another. Xerography enables the artist to appropriate content from one medium and use it within another, a key practice in the artistic processes of the late 20th century.