The machine series began some time ago as a separate body of work. The latest series of ink drawings, *Components*, was created in 2019 as part of research and development at the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology (CBCB) at Newcastle University. Inevitably, the Components series overlaps with the current project, Hidden Kingdoms Shifting Worlds.
Components is a collective project comprising over 100 individual drawings, inspired by time spent in the laboratories studying microbial behaviour patterns and by conversations with scientists. The forms are derived from stills taken from monochrome film studies of individual bacteria. The drawings function as individual portraits at stages in the organism’s emergence and evolution, reminiscent of foetal ultrasound images. The figures mutate or shift into amoebic states, transforming into other forms, in a process of continual change. Each drawing exists both as an independent entity and as part of the wider collective.
The ink drawings measure 56 x 76 cm. For further information on all the artwork and the artist, visit the artist’s website. The films are available to watch by tuning into the artist’s YouTube Playlists.
Website: https://www.derekhill.co.uk
Hidden Kingdoms Shifting Worlds: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/cat/hidden-kingdoms-shifting-worlds/
YouTube Film studies sequences: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQteKPuE8QuMCaSQ-RFCiLbXwxSv8Cma-&si=fIZ_OaP9R5H_dvDQ
