Adventures of the Black Square

I visited the exhibition 'Adventures of the Black Square' at the White Chapel gallery where I discovered a variety of interesting designs and designers.

Authors own image captured at White Chapel Gallery

I was drawn into this design titled 'Purple Air' by Liu Wei because of the large scale and bright, bold colours involved. I really enjoy the chaotic but controlled abstract visual and discovered the work represented 'The ongoing urbanisation process and the structural changes which take place in contemporary urban areas.' I struggled to understand how this was represented through this visual but as I looked more and more at the design I began to notice horizontal lines interrupting the organised portrait composition, and also thought the many colours and tones could be the representation of a continuous change as it is hard to focus on one colour within the work.

Authors own image captured at White Chapel Gallery

When viewing this work from a distance it appeared to be a print, however as I got closer I discovered it was created from cotton and coloured dyes. I really enjoy the experimental composition and colours within this work and it has shown me shapes and colours can create simple, interesting visuals.

Authors own image captured at White Chapel Gallery

I was intrigued into this design as I felt it was a typography design of the alphabet. However, I discovered the designer Bela Kolarova had developed a practise involving everyday objects, she then assembles it into works that question reality. I really enjoy the use of snap fasteners to create a an interesting and organised visual; this work has represented how a successful design can be created from anything if a good idea and technique is present.

Authors own image captured at White Chapel Gallery

I am really fascinated with this design 'Simultaneous Construction of Two' by Max Bill because of the movement created from simple forms. The design reminds me of a scientific diagram instead of an art piece; I have learnt movement can be created with basic forms not just detailed, chaotic visuals.

Authors own image captured at White Chapel Gallery

When reading about this work titled 'Hanging' I discovered it's designer Anni Albers joined the Bauhaus in Weimar in 1922  but because she was a woman was not allowed to study architecture and was relegated into weaving school. I find this inspiring and interesting on how times have moved on and how Albers found her own style and technique within something she was never interested in. This has inspired me to work hard within graphics as I was able to choose a subject I wanted and enjoy.

Authors own image captured at White Chapel Gallery

I was interesting in this work titled 'Lead light' as it appeared to use thread which was my chosen material for my previous Mapping project. I discovered Adrian Esparza had created this work from a traditional Mexican blanket known as a serape which was often used as a poncho. He deconstructed it into individual threads before reconfiguring it onto a wall. I really enjoy this technique as it represents how a transformation of an object can create an interesting outcome and visual. This work has made me aware of my surroundings and the objects within it.

Overall I found this exhibition really interesting and discovered how simple colours and forms can be used to create unique designs and visuals.