It’s been challenging to find the appropriate term to define my art style. So far I’ve described my paintings as having characteristics of, or taking inspiration from the following: Hard Edge, Constructivism, Geometric Abstraction, Modernism, Contemporary, and even Minimalism.
As I was reflecting on the appropriateness to describe my art style in one way or another, I needed to know more. Having no formal education in art but rather a BA in Peace and Conflict Studies, I assumed that the absolute accurate term for my style was out there and that I simply hadn’t found it yet. Through researching the above terms and learning more about different movements and purposes, I was met with disappointment as I realized these terms didn’t convey the methods behind my works. Aesthetically, yes, my work does share common characteristics of the classifications mentioned above, but my reason for production is something different.
The following text is meant to explain a subcategory style of my work, not each and every individual piece.
Representational Geometric Abstraction Interpretationism - R.G.A.I.
Step One - See something worth keeping.
My work starts with my eyes and the scenes around me. A picture is captured - by my phone of course. I take the picture, crop it, then I figure it out.
Step Two - Figure out what’s important.
As a problem solver, I find creative ways to come up with solutions. I want to take this image and transfer it to a 2D plane in a way that allows me to interpret my vision of what was seen. To accomplish this I start with sketches where I determine the basic shapes present in the picture. Then I choose the colors I’d like to utilize based on what’s present in the picture. Once the basics are complete, I experiment with the design of the composition to figure out how I may organize these variables that are the elements I’ve decided on. At times I take deliberate creative liberties to suggest an idea that may not have been considered otherwise through use of additional colors or other geometric shapes. Once the problems are solved and the composition is organized, cohesive, and unified, then it’s time to add color.
Step Three - Make it important
Here it’s important to highlight the elements themselves, not the medium. There’s no limit on color choice, but rather on physical texture. Outlined color fields are used to direct the viewer's attention to the visual relationships created by the placement of the elements. Excess physical texture promotes the likelihood of inappropriate rumination for the viewer as it may cause a distraction from analyzing the significance of the elements. It’s important for there to be a stark contrast in elements so that each of them can be considered for themselves. Ideally elements are separated by a noticeable outline of some sort that acts as both the stark contrast and as an intentional resolution to achieve harmony throughout the composition.
Representational Geometric Abstraction Interpretational (R.G.A.I.) art is a cohesive piece with representational elements from a picture that the artist has deemed important. These elements are reworked into basic geometric shapes and organized into a cohesive design. Elements are highlighted individually through the use of starkly contrasting colored - or black or white - lines that also act as an intentional resolution to achieve harmony throughout the composition. Its execution is primarily completed on 2D surfaces with mediums featuring little to no physical texture.
Representational Geometric Abstraction Interpretationalism (R.G.A.I.) is a movement that focuses on both pleasant visual aesthetics as well as the creative method of developing the design.
A few additional notes that helped me gather my thoughts:
-ion (the act of)
-al (relating to, “like” something)
-ism (a practice or process)
Interpret - explain the meaning
Interpretation - itself explains the meaning (noun)
Interpretational - the act of explaining (adjective)
Representational - the act of depicting something
Geometric - relating to geometry
Abstraction - detached from physical form
Geometric Abstraction - An art movement, a form of abstract art based on the use of geometric forms
Thanks for reading! :)
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