The Structure Of Abstraction
Hypostatic Abstraction is defined by a set of laws, properties, and relationships in a way that is logically if not always historically independent of the structure of contingent experiences. These principles are hardly different than representational art design principles, but abstract art designs can often elucidate the general principles of design in a more straightforward way since there is no narrative subject matter to interfere with a formal interpretation of the work. Ironically though, by analyzing the work from a formal design perspective, enhanced or hidden meanings in the work can sometimes be revealed. Analyzing these elements in our featured artworks, one can begin to see the process utilized by the artists.
For Jay Jones, creating art was never a goal but simply the result of being submerged in a non-stop creative environment. The artist’s time living and working in New York City provided him the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most creative talents of the 1980s in New York's theatre, film, television, and dance worlds.
Painting, for Olympio, is following an instinct. It is discovering the internal balance of a piece and recognizing beauty when it is unveiled: a happy accident. Olympio’s work is honest and palpable. It is exposed, raw, and uncompromisingly direct. His work is rough and energetic, yet balanced by a peace and stillness that emanate from below the surface of each work.
Marco Schmidli’s work is known for its sensitive surfaces and subtle textures. He has developed specialized techniques for applying and layering color. There are infinite possibilities on how to apply paint onto a surface and he often creates his own tools for that purpose.
Bernard Simunovic’s carefully crafted compositions frequently express a delicate sense of intimacy and introspection. A simple black line and clever color blocking formulate lyrical figures in transient states of delight, love, or contemplation. The simple contour line as a graphical element is combined with classical painting. Through the “thread of life,” his compositions are held together.
