I'm thrilled to introduce my latest work in progress, the Thirteen Series, a collection of abstract art that reimagines both form and function. This series invites viewers into a dynamic experience where art is not only seen but also interacted with, challenging the boundaries of traditional art displays.
The Concept Behind the Numbers
Each piece in the Thirteen Series is named after a four-digit number, with all the digits adding up to 13. For centuries, the number 13 has been considered unlucky, steeped in superstition and intrigue. By incorporating this number into the series, I aim to reclaim and reinterpret it, transforming its negative connotations into a symbol of creativity and exploration. Each four-digit name is not merely a label but a part of the art itself, a coded invitation to look deeper and consider the interplay of chance, meaning, and interpretation.
A Dynamic Experience on Wood
The series is crafted on wood, a material chosen for its organic texture and strength, providing a solid foundation for the abstract forms. What makes this collection truly unique is its interactive element: each piece is designed to spin. Mounted on a special mechanism, the artwork can be rotated, allowing for a new perspective with every turn. This feature invites you to engage with the piece in a way that traditional art often does not, creating a dynamic relationship between the artwork, its surroundings, and the viewer.
Textures and Mediums
The Thirteen Series is a celebration of texture and medium, combining textured clay, resin, and modeling paste. Textured clay introduces a sculptural dimension, creating intricate surfaces that play with light and shadow. Resin, with its glossy, almost glass-like finish, adds a layer of sophistication, enhancing the vibrancy and depth of the colours beneath it. Modeling paste contributes bold, raised designs that seem to leap off the wooden canvas, adding another layer of complexity.
These materials interact with each other to create a surface that is rich in detail and tactile appeal. The textures are not just visual; they are meant to be felt, offering a multi-sensory experience that draws you in closer.
Embracing the Abstract and the Unlucky
The Thirteen Series is more than just a collection of abstract works; it is a meditation on movement, change, and the reinterpretation of meaning. By embracing the historically unlucky number 13, each piece invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions and explore the possibilities of abstract art. As you spin the pieces and discover new angles and textures, you are invited into an ever-changing dialogue with the artwork, where each encounter reveals something new.
I welcome you to experience the Thirteen Series—to see, touch, and turn these pieces, and to find your own meaning in the layers of texture, colour, and form.
Artist: Neil Harrison
NHArtDesign August 2024
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