Limping across an invisible line, Lisbon, 2016

untitled, 2015, 29,7 x 21 cm

untitled, 2015, pigmented ink on tracing paper, 42 x 29,7 cm

untitled, 2015, pigmented ink on tracing paper, 29,7 x 42 cm

untitled, 2015, pigmented ink on tracing paper, 29,7 x 21 cm

Limping across an invisible line

Tracing paper is defined by thinness and low opacity. These characteristics allow light to pass through, making tracing paper relatively invisible.

Transparency is achieved by a careful selection of the raw materials that are used to produce the paper – cellulose fibre from wood and cotton fibre. It is also necessary to remove all materials that obstruct the transmission of light.

The use of tracing paper to manually produce copies was superseded by technology, becoming disused.

Lines are now added to the paper to emphasize the details of an imagined invisible original.

Tracing paper’s smoothness is only apparent. It evolves to become rugged. Drawing on tracing paper leaves an open drawing. The paper will finish the work.

Sofia dos Santos

untitled, 2015, pigmented ink on tracing paper, 29,7 x 42 cm