“Nachtblume I” – Original sculpture by MJ Seal. Paper ephemera, jute rope, PVA glue and acrylic, 20” x 19” x 10.5”. C. 2021This is the first of what I think will be a large series of “Nachtblumen” or “Night Flowers”. I got the idea after seeing images of luminous fungi in the Amazon rainforest. I wanted to come up with a series of sculptures that would resemble fungal fruiting bodies in bloom. They are made primarily from mashed up paper ephemera which I like as a metaphor for daily experiences – as it literally is the physical remains of the day. The fluorescent paint gives an effect like certain glow-in-the-dark funguses that inspired this project. It also imparts that surreal, dream-like quality I was going for.The fluorescent colors are quite eye-catching under normal lightBut they really come to life under the black light These colors are not exaggerated in any way It was actually quite difficult to photograph this- esp the “spores” at the top- without blowing out all the colorThe body of this sculpture was painted black then I wiped it down with red fluorescent paint. The effect was striking and gives me ideas for future projects.I can imagine this growing in some deep dark jungle- or the bottom of some alien sea. When/if these ever get displayed in a gallery I’m envisioning them growing out of a bed of loose, waded up paper ephemera. Most modern papers fluoresce an eerie, electric teal color and I like the idea of these night flowers sprouting out from a bed of fallen leaves of paper- like fungus on a forest floor.
MJ Seal .Art 
Stunning!😍🤩
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Danke! 🙏
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flowering magma, toll!!
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Danke 🙏 Yes were I wiped the fluorescent red on the sides it definitely looks like hot lava 🌋
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I love the idea of night flowers. Looking forward to seeing the next in the series
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Merci 🙏 I have three more large ones essentially sculpted- they just need some “roots” and then a skin of paint.
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