An attention-grabbing work due to the sharp tonal contrasts and heavy use of
jagged lines. An intuitive yet non-literal single image is created with four or
five individual scenes. A strong yet believable sense of tension is created
with the downward thrust of the upper horizontal scene balanced by
the smaller, denser block in the central lower horizontal half. The primary
vehicle of communication here is line. |
Several planes overlap and seem to combine, depicting a fantasy version of
central New York City, intersecting planes and lines, and technical schematics
and writings. The subject is presented through rigid, rectilinear lines with the exception of
the schematics, which are the most static and flat portions of the work. In the
upper-half, detail is missing towards the top but the
scene becomes much more intricate moving downward. This work is built strictly
on values; there is stark contrasts in tone throughout, with hardly any midtones. Careful
calibration of the angles of the scene plane edges reinforce the overall sense
of tension Woods has installed.
Diminution is built from right to left on the upper and central scenes. The upper uses diminishing detail as well from the
center outward. Balance is achieved with a sense of downward tension moving toward the central
scene. The upper half of the work is elementally uniform from left
to right; the lower half of the work is opposite to this, yet still
achieves the same sense of balance.
There is a heavy use of rigid, stark, mechanical edges far overpowering the
meek, occasional gestural and script-like writings. Darks and lights are
effectively played off each other. This work uses dominance in favor of
equivalency: Harsh values, strong edges, rectilinear shapes and flat planes. However, the picture plane is balanced in spite of the downward
tension.
The primary focal point is the cityscape, mostly due to the development of detail. The downward-thrusting pile of
planes and lines in the scene above it cause the eye to flow in the direction
of the scene; there is a sense that the upper scene could crash
though to the lower half at any moment. Movement to the lower center is
reinforced by the lateral organization of the grid-like writings.
There can be multiple perspective points, but that of the center of interest is
suspended in the sky looking at an oblique angle to the metropolis. This is a
strong work that is selective in the elements it uses. The three primary scenes are similar in tone, using the
same elements to create a sense of unity. The tension created through
direction, off-perpendicular angles and detail calibration is expert. There is a strong balance of detail and areas lacking embellishment. The center
of gravity is effective on its own and effectively supported by the
treatment of its surrounding planes.
No comments:
Post a Comment