Mixed media on canvas Image size 94cms x 94cms Framed size 115cms x 115cms
This work, made in 2010, explores, amongst other things, the two dimensional ‘spatial’ phenomenon which occurs in painting and, especially in abstraction. Obviously, it is not possible to create an actual, third physical dimension from a flat, usually wall hung, two-dimensional object, having only height and width, so this work explores pictorial space on a two-dimensional plane, bounded by distinctly defined perimeters or edges.
As some elements are collaged, literally, stuck to the surface, these do have an actual, albeit minimal, third dimension, but this is a projection forward from the picture plane, not, as it were, behind it.
This is not a constructed illusion or representation, achieved traditionally, for example, via the application of the principles of vanishing point perspective, conventional composition, or the prescriptive use of colour, formulaic modelling and tone to describe and allude to three-dimensional form. These techniques have been prevalent throughout the history of painting to represent, illustrate, stand in for, serve as, or be a proxy for recognisable objects or entities in what may be described as the real world.
But rather, it is the consequence of the juxtaposition and interaction, of a variety of often ambiguous, incongruous, and sometimes, vaguely symbolic coloured marks, shapes and gestures within a given flat surface area. The intention being to produce an image that is intrinsic and self-contained, and which contains no intended narrative, ‘subject’, comment or message.
The title, which is essentially a referential device, may refer to the Voyager space mission, or to a voyage or a journey, or to none of these things.
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The poet and writer John Updike said: ‘What art offers is space - a certain breathing room for the spirit.’
Updike, on hearing a comment made by Patrick Heron, about the paintings of Terry Frost, to the effect that ’Frost’s space is deeper than Poliakoff’s and, not as deep as that of Soulage’s,’ also authored a poem called ‘The Moderate,’ which in a light hearted manner, comprises a short, comparative essay on ‘space’ in abstract painting.
George Taylor
April 2021
The Moderate
‘Soulage’s space is deep and wide –
Beware!’ they said. ‘Beware,’ they cried,
‘The yawning gap, the black abyss
That closes with a dreadful hiss!
‘That shallow space by Poliakoff,’
They added, is a wretched trough.
It wrinkles, splinters, shreds and fades;
It wouldn’t hold the Jack of Spades.’
‘But where?’ I asked, bewildered, lost.
‘Go seek, ‘they said, ‘the space of Frost;
It’s not too bonny, not too braw –
The nicest space you ever saw.’
I harked, and heard, and here I live,
Delighted to be relative.
John Updike.
