The toMAgo process, according to its author Marija Igaly, consists of several stages.
It begins with nature and people.
The emphasis is on observing the plant world. Flowers in all their developmental stages, their small parts, the delicate structures of leaves and those tiny seeds — these are our paints and brushes.
After harvesting (only very small quantities are needed), the careful pressing process follows.
After a few days, our natural material is ready for the next stage — creating the image itself (the miniature).
That part, together with the prepared petals, involves tweezers, a backing (felt) and a frame. So, there is no glue.
It is precisely this absence of gluing that opens up the possibility for the final stage: computer processing.
After scanning, the author has the freedom to enlarge, alter or otherwise refine her image.
Changing the background color, emphasizing tiny floral parts that are invisible to the naked eye, adjusting contrast, tones…
Finally, the finished results are printed on papers of various sizes — according to the enlargement to be shown.
This is exactly what has been done with the exhibited works. They are the result of imaginative computer processing, or play, where the original intention was to show the display possibilities of what nature quietly creates within itself. Some parts are emphasized, some specially highlighted, some have had their color changed… but in fact nothing new has been created that the fragile plant did not already possess. Only, through a kind of play, different segments have been shown in different combinations.
Gabrijela Leskovar and Vanja Ljoljić Zagreb, December 2011