Distillation and the Arts
Distillation is an industrial chemical process used to make alcoholic spirits. This involves adding yeast to sugary liquid, where microorganisms eat all of the sugars to produce alcohol (ethanol). Once produced, this ethanol is extracted by boiling the mixture then cooling to condense back into liquid form; creating two fractions – base or bottoms) and heads/alcohol which contain the actual product made through distillation process; any remaining fractions could contain raw materials or the yeast that produced this process (otherwise known as raw materials/yeast).
Distillation apparatus can be constructed of either glass or metal and should ideally be circular to distribute heat evenly around its vessel. Joints should also be left open so air can escape easily to reduce internal pressure fluctuations – otherwise decompression could occur and an explosion might result.
Distillation has several symbolic associations beyond technical skill, as a technical skill itself. Distillation stands as a metaphor for purification and transition from life’s raw materials into artworks of beauty and meaning. Additionally, distillation provides an avenue of finding meaning within our chaotic modern lives through meditation and contemplation.
This exhibition marks a partnership between The Stable and Tibor de Nagy Galleries and will explore their connections through discussions with artists, writers and academics.