Decalcomania is a decorative technique by which prints may be transferred onto other materials. Coincidences and unpredictability are important elements of this technique.
Basics:
Diluted colour (here- gouache) is poured onto a surface and then covered with a sheet of paper. Through movements, partial lifting of the paper and uneven pressure the gouache colour is spread on the paper and a variety of patterns begin to emerge. This process is repeated until a satisfying result is reached. The choice of used materials as well as the consistency of the colours have a big impact on the results.
History:
The surrealist Oscar Domínguez used this technique in 1936. He spread gouache
on a sheet of paper or other surface and then pressed it onto another surface
such as a canvas. Max Ernst experimented further with decalcomania. In his paintings
the emerging decalcomania patterns are contained and the rest of the canvas
is painted over.