El Dorado Springs

Valerie Sparks (born 1961)

Whitworth Art Gallery

2007

This photographic art print and wallpaper references 19th century French scenic wallpapers which featured topographical scenes, exotic landscapes or stories from literature or mythology. El Dorado was a mythical place where all dreams were met. This large work by the Australian artist Sparks seamlessly blends landmark buildings from present day Melbourne against a majestic backdrop of the Zagros Mountains. The images are drawn from different times and places along the banks of a mysterious misty river lined by Australian native trees and an exotic flora, as well as sculptural elements of Asian monuments and figures of worship. The Whitworth has a Designated Collection of Historic and Modern Wallpapers. This work both relates to French examples in the Gallery's collection and takes the Whitworth a step forward in its aim to emphasise the relationship between the historic collections and contemporary art.

• Medium: 1) digital montage inkjet photograph; 2) wallpaper
• Dimensions: 1) 100 x 600cm; 2) 167 x 1000cm
• Art Fund Grant: £3000 ( Total: £6,000)
• ArtFunded in: 2011
• Vendor: Valerie Sparks

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