ACID YELLOW 7

ACID YELLOW 7
Beatrice Haines (UK)

Whilst the human eye can spot obvious clues at the scene of a crime, traces of blood are challenging to find. Although tests to find blood at crimes scenes have existed since the early 20th century, more sophisticated forensic technology continues to be developed.

Drawing upon the research of Dr Kevin Farrugia at the University of Abertay, this artwork uses a liquid called ‘Acid Yellow 7’ that dyes blood, making it glow yellow when viewed using a specialist torch and goggles. Hidden details and traces of blood are then revealed.

Due to its association with danger and violence, blood is usually something people aim to avoid. However, by interacting with the Acid Yellow 7 Installation, visitors will be compelled to seek out the blood using this cutting edge forensic science technique, as their curiosity overrides their aversion. Inspired by encounters between forensic science and the domestic environment, this artwork further explores our relationship with everyday objects.

Beatrice Haines (b. 1986, London) graduated with an MA in Printmaking from the Royal College of Art in 2010. She has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions, completed residencies at Marlborough College, University of Abertay’s forensics lab, Centrespace and Griffin Gallery. Listed in Artlyst’s ‘top 10 artists under 30’, Haines is a Print Fellow at the Royal Academy of Arts. Winner of Anthology Art Prize, RBS Bursary award, the Mann and Daler Rowney drawing prizes, she continues to create artwork of a multi-disciplinary nature. Haines co-founded artists collective ‘Rented by the Hour’, striving to exhibit outside white wall gallery spaces.