If you can recount back to the pure wonder you felt flipping through Magic Eye books as a kid, Geometrics serves up the same brand of mind-melting illusions (albeit on a more refined scale). Artists have taken what appears to be simple – as in the most elementary components of shape, scale and relative sequencing – and structured relationships between these elements to create some insane optical effects. When you break it down, it’s hard to believe that this basic branch of mathematics has been turned into art.
The ridiculously talented crop of artists who have contributed works to the Geometrics exhibition includes the likes of Wilma Tabacco, J.S. Ostoja-Kotkowski, Max Gimblett and Lincoln Austin just to name a few. Each artist has excelled in creating a work that makes magic from the simple – with pieces that are somehow contemporary and classical in the same beat. A healthy mix of lively spirit plus elements of order and proportion combine to awaken your senses and sharpen your mind – take a look and see what all the fuss is about.
Want to soak up some Magic Eye vibes? Geometries opens at the Queensland Art Gallery from June 8.
Image credits
Wilma Tabacco / Australia b.1953 / Hellza poppin 2004 / Oil on linen / 183 x 244cm / Gift of William Nuttall and Annette Reeves through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2008. / Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural GiftsProgram. / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
J.S. Ostoja-Kotkowski / Poland/Australia 1922-94 / Astra 1978-79 / Op-collage on aluminium / 119.6 x 119.6cm / Purchased 1980. Trustees’ Purchase Exhibition QAGOMA. / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
Max Gimblett/ New Zealand/United States b.1935 / Light green/red – to Dora 1978 / Oil and wax on canvas / 203.2 x 203.2cm / Purchased 2006. The Queensland Government’s Gallery of Modern Art Acquisitions Fund. / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
Lincoln Austin / Australia b.1974 / Interloper 2009 / Stainless steel mesh / 164 x 101 x 123cm / Gift of the artist through the Queensland Art Gallery
Foundation 2010. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program. / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
