Most conventional printing inks are made with refined mineral oil and use chemicals that are harmful to ourselves and the environment. These toxic substances pass through our bodies and are absorbed into our wastewater and ultimately back into our ecosystem. In 2021 - thanks to the collaboration with Grafische Werkplaats Den Haag and the support of Gementee Den Haag - Greta D. Facchinato researched how to extract color from what surrounds us to turn it into sustainable inks, suitable for screen printing on paper and fabric. The results were shared in the exhibition Color is Alive, through a series of prints on paper and textiles and an artist publication.

This growing collection of natural inks for screenprinting was developed from foraged plants, urban relics, and kitchen scraps. The research progressed parallel with the artist's practice of foraging in nature. Greta Facchinato works mainly by making ink from plants that can be traced in the Dutch or Italian territory while moving and walking through these lands.

Through this project, the artist aims to invite us to re-learn our relationship with colors starting from our landscape and surroundings. Her reflection on colors as living bodies challenges the idea of art conservation and the concept of artwork as eternal.

This research was made possible by Gemeente Den Haag and in collaboration with Grafische Werkplaats Den Haag.

Shared during “Color is Alive” exhibition at Grafische Werkplaats Den Haag, Hoogtij#67