Elena Vittoria Bevilacqua

Alchemical Psychegrams

Alchemical Psychegrams is a series of lumen prints and photograms, made with different light sources and homemade, eco-friendly alternative chemicals.

Inspired by Rorschach inkblots and Jungian psychology, the series features botanical elements, feathers, lichens, and other organic materials alongside electronic components sourced from e-waste. These elements embody opposing forces — rational and irrational, natural and artificial — while their bilateral symmetry evokes both cosmic harmony and the symmetry of the human brain as seen in neuroimaging. The title echoes that language of medical imaging: each psychegram is a visual record of the invisible, an alchemical scan of the psyche.

Crafted through a meditative darkroom and cameraless photographic process, these compositions reflect the mind’s journey towards balance — visual equilibrium as a mirror of inner equilibrium.

The series envisions a future state of harmony between humanity and nature: the human mind, at last at peace, in the Symbiocene era.

Photogram

Negative

Kentmere VC Select paper

17.8 x 12.7 cm

Lumen print

Negative

Kentmere VC Select paper

17.8 x 12.7 cm

Reverso print

Kentmere VC Select paper

17.8 x 12.7 cm

By developing the lumen print, it transitions into an intermediate state between negative and positive. I call this type of lumen print the Reverso print to distinguish it from the undeveloped ones.

Gallery

Making

Some photos of the making process taken in my home studio.

Watch the short video here 

Other experiments