“A body is a vessel. A vessel is a body.”

–Claudia Brittenham, Vessels: The Object as Container

Influenced by the variety, ubiquity, and incredible durability of vessels from ancient cultures, Beth Herman Adler created the Ancient Vessels Project, in which photographs of ancient vessels are printed on present-day food boxes using the process of cyanotype. Each work notes the vessel’s age and culture of origin as well as the type of food box used, offering a commentary on our disposable culture. 

The Ancient Vessels Project forms the cornerstone of the show We Are All Vessels, opening April 1, 2023, at Firecat Projects, 2019 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago. A related collection of Adler’s cyanotypes and monoprints, based on iconic vessel shapes, is also included in the show.

PHOTO: Ancient Vessel Project, 2023,  Various reused food boxes with images of ancient vessels cyanotyped on the reverse side of boxes and reconstructed inside out. 

Credit: Jack Kraig Photography.