Work Inspired by Decay

In this series, the natural process of degradation becomes an active, physical studio partnership. Rather than documenting found rust, Jacqueline Rolls treats the surface of old metal panels as an experimental canvas, applying reactive metal treatments to initiate a live chemical degradation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working intuitively over these changing surfaces, she paints directly onto the treated metal—guiding the lines but allowing the fluid treatments to find their own way, bleed, and react organically. Because these raw chemical interactions continue to shift and alter over time, a camera is introduced to capture a definitive, fleeting moment in the material’s evolution. The resulting photographs isolate the deep textures, organic contours, and unexpected abstract shapes born from this loose, collaborative exploration between artist and element.