Basic straight-edge shapes are arranged in two groups, the second a
near-vertical inversion of how the first is ordered. The bright colors and
basic shapes reflect singular notes that would be used in one of Mozart’s
classic scores. The point of the work seems to point out the elemental
similarities of music and visual art by making them the subject. |
Geometric shapes are arranged in two groups in this oil on gessoed canvas painting.
Though the individual shapes are nearly identical in both groups, the viewer’s
reaction to them is different due to Rockburne’s use of elements and their formatting. Angular shapes are grouped together in two vertical arrangements. Their spatial
orders are inversions of each other. Color is the next element expressed in
this work, followed by texture. The use of texture, overlap and transparency create spatial order. This order
is contradicted by what seems to be two light sources.
This is a work built by basic shapes with straight, well-defined edges. While
the two arrangements are near-reflections of each other, enough variety is
incorporated to keep things from getting boring. For example, the small blocks
are different temperatures of purple, and texture is used to create interest.
There is a well-balanced mix of dense (background) and light (foreground)
values. The result is a work that is approximately balanced pictorially. The twisting, rotating arrangement of the highly recognizable shapes help to
create a sense of motion. The left grouping has slightly more gravity than the
right. The entire work is oriented parallel
with respect to the picture plane.
Rockburne uses color, value, purity, texture and subtle interpenetration to
control spatial relationships and emotional impressions in a manner that can
only be described as professional. As
a work of nearly-pure abstraction, it might not be the most accessible, but if
considered for its formal qualities this truly is a well-rounded, unified painting.
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