Red cabbage, fermented (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra) anthotype by Reza Ghareh Gharibi

“The Echo of a Nightmarish History Lived” by Reza Ghareh Gharibi, Tehran, Iran
Parts used: Fermented red cabbage extract with salt
Amount: 20 mL
Extracted by: Squeezed by hand
Thinner: Isopropyl alcohol 70%
Application: Brushing

Layers: 3
Substrate: Watercolour paper
Created with: Laser printed OHP positive
Exposure: 1 week, all day in September, summer 2025
UV strength: The average UV Index is 5, with a daily maximum of 10 and a minimum of 1
Temperature: Average daytime high temperature: about 31–33° Celsius or 88–91° Fahrenheit
Humidity: Average daytime relative humidity 20–25%
Contrast: ✿ (Low)
Challenges or observations: For anthotypes with fine detail, the quality of the positive is important — both in editing and printing. I exposed the paper on the rooftop in full sunlight for a week, checking progress daily. By day three, a faint outline appeared, and from days four to seven the image steadily grew clearer and more defined.
Additional information: I prepared the extract by squeezing red cabbage with salt and storing it for two weeks in a sealed container in a cool, dark place to ferment. A small amount of 70% alcohol was then added to the liquid.
Instagram: @Reza_gh.gharibi