Sharon Aivaliotis, aquatint

Sharon Aivaliotis
Medium : Aquatint, signed and dated
Date: 1980
Paper size (or piece size) : 39 x 49 cm
Condition : Very good

A Spoonful of Americana: Analyzing the Image

A Reflection of Identity: This stark black and white print presents a simple yet thought-provoking composition: a spoon, its handle dipping over the edge of a plate, casting a long shadow. The true focal point, however, is the reflection on the spoon's surface: the American flag.

Symbolism and Subtext:

• The Spoon: A humble utensil, often associated with nourishment and sustenance, becomes a vessel for reflection and symbolism.

• The Flag: A powerful icon representing American identity, patriotism, and unity. Its reflection in the spoon suggests a deep connection between the individual and the nation.

• The Shadow: Cast by the spoon, the shadow adds a layer of depth and mystery. It could represent the past, the unknown, or the subconscious.

Interpretative Possibilities:

• Individualism and Patriotism: The reflection of the flag in the spoon could symbolize the individual's relationship to the nation. It might suggest a sense of pride, belonging, or even a critical examination of national identity.

• Nostalgia and Memory: The image could evoke feelings of nostalgia, reminding viewers of simpler times or childhood memories associated with food and family.

• Social Commentary: The spoon, a common household object, might be seen as a symbol of the American middle class. The reflection of the flag could then be interpreted as a commentary on the relationship between the individual and the nation, particularly in times of social and political change.

About the artist: 
Sharon Aivaliotis b.1951

Trinidadian printmaker of still life subjects.

After her initial education in the West Indies, Sharon Aivaliotis studied in London at St Martin’s School of Art from 1975 to 1979 and the Slade School of Fine Art from 1979 to 1981. She was awarded the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Printmakers Award in 1982 and was a form member of the London Group. She began to exhibit at The Royal Academy in 1979 and had her first solo exhibition “Twelve Mezzotints a Year” at the Graffiti Gallery, London in 1982; since then she has also exhibited in Europe, Australia and the USA.

She is a master of the printing technique of coloured mezzotint, an incredibly difficult and time-consuming process that fell out of favour in the mid-1920s. Her work is held in numerous public collections across the world, including the V&A, the British Council Art Collection, the Library of Congress, USA and the University of Aberystwyth.