Formation in Daylight, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
50 x 40 cm
Part of a series of five minimalist geometric abstract works painted in 2023, Formation in Daylight consists of vertical and horizontal lines and blocks of colour floating in a saffron yellow plane. The works in the series are consistent in their general arrangement of solid lines and saturated colours running perpendicular and parallel to the edges of the canvas. The rectilinear shapes float independently of each other to create a sense of spontaneity and movement that counterbalances the rigidity and precision of the otherwise static compositions. Though not intentionally referential, the compositions are loosely inspired by and suggestive of architectural space plans, particularly those of the early to mid-20th century modernist style which blurred boundaries between interior and exterior and favoured openness and fluidity in spatial experiences over traditional notions of distinct enclosures. Viewed in this way, a three-dimensional quality arises out of the two-dimensional plane. The flat surface of the canvas begins to take on a more meaningful depth with the lines and shapes implying partial walls and other architectural elements that delineate semi-enclosed spaces. One can imagine inhabiting or passing through these spaces, exploring what lies around each corner, perhaps viewing a reflecting pool from a platform, à la Mies van der Rohe’s famous Barcelona Pavilion.
An alternative interpretation would be to view the shapes as fragments of an object or structure that was once intact which is now exploding diagrammatically or undergoing some process of deconstruction. However, I like to imagine the shapes as each having its own identity and personality and that they are hovering around each other in some sort of pre-developmental stage of group formation (hence the title); rather than moving apart, they are actually on their way to momentously coming together to form a unified whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Acrylic on canvas
50 x 40 cm
Part of a series of five minimalist geometric abstract works painted in 2023, Formation in Daylight consists of vertical and horizontal lines and blocks of colour floating in a saffron yellow plane. The works in the series are consistent in their general arrangement of solid lines and saturated colours running perpendicular and parallel to the edges of the canvas. The rectilinear shapes float independently of each other to create a sense of spontaneity and movement that counterbalances the rigidity and precision of the otherwise static compositions. Though not intentionally referential, the compositions are loosely inspired by and suggestive of architectural space plans, particularly those of the early to mid-20th century modernist style which blurred boundaries between interior and exterior and favoured openness and fluidity in spatial experiences over traditional notions of distinct enclosures. Viewed in this way, a three-dimensional quality arises out of the two-dimensional plane. The flat surface of the canvas begins to take on a more meaningful depth with the lines and shapes implying partial walls and other architectural elements that delineate semi-enclosed spaces. One can imagine inhabiting or passing through these spaces, exploring what lies around each corner, perhaps viewing a reflecting pool from a platform, à la Mies van der Rohe’s famous Barcelona Pavilion.
An alternative interpretation would be to view the shapes as fragments of an object or structure that was once intact which is now exploding diagrammatically or undergoing some process of deconstruction. However, I like to imagine the shapes as each having its own identity and personality and that they are hovering around each other in some sort of pre-developmental stage of group formation (hence the title); rather than moving apart, they are actually on their way to momentously coming together to form a unified whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Acrylic on canvas
50 x 40 cm
Part of a series of five minimalist geometric abstract works painted in 2023, Formation in Daylight consists of vertical and horizontal lines and blocks of colour floating in a saffron yellow plane. The works in the series are consistent in their general arrangement of solid lines and saturated colours running perpendicular and parallel to the edges of the canvas. The rectilinear shapes float independently of each other to create a sense of spontaneity and movement that counterbalances the rigidity and precision of the otherwise static compositions. Though not intentionally referential, the compositions are loosely inspired by and suggestive of architectural space plans, particularly those of the early to mid-20th century modernist style which blurred boundaries between interior and exterior and favoured openness and fluidity in spatial experiences over traditional notions of distinct enclosures. Viewed in this way, a three-dimensional quality arises out of the two-dimensional plane. The flat surface of the canvas begins to take on a more meaningful depth with the lines and shapes implying partial walls and other architectural elements that delineate semi-enclosed spaces. One can imagine inhabiting or passing through these spaces, exploring what lies around each corner, perhaps viewing a reflecting pool from a platform, à la Mies van der Rohe’s famous Barcelona Pavilion.
An alternative interpretation would be to view the shapes as fragments of an object or structure that was once intact which is now exploding diagrammatically or undergoing some process of deconstruction. However, I like to imagine the shapes as each having its own identity and personality and that they are hovering around each other in some sort of pre-developmental stage of group formation (hence the title); rather than moving apart, they are actually on their way to momentously coming together to form a unified whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.