Leo Maxim
ARTIST LEON MAXIM
Space probes, satellites and telescopes to gain inspiration and visual stimulus.
As a son of a meteorologist he was "always interested in the atmosphere and the Universe beyond it, and how the interaction between the many varied elements found within these realms co-existed and interacted".
His paintings are executed using a technique historically documented as "Hard Edge Painting" which developed a strong following in the Western United States of America in the middle of last Century.
This style of painting uses abrupt transitions between colour areas and textures.
Strong sharp edges are obtained through masking areas that then juxtapose with areas of undulating textures or disassociated smoothness and colour.
The artist then uses strong grid formations, composed from symmetries derived from Pi mathematical calculations. The resulting compositions represent squares and rectangles or "columns"
The pattern once arranged mimics those created for optical tricks, such as the Hermann Grid Illusion.
Within each work a variety of organic and synthetic additives are integrated into clear acrylic glazes.
These additives include various mica, mylar coatings, silica and metallic powders. The varieties of colour play that result from "colour flips" give the paintings their iridescent and radiant multidimensional surfaces.
"I am concerned with not only the surface appearance of naturally observable phenomena, but in turn how they reveal further underlying complex interplays beneath.
When light waves hit a paintings surface, the interference caused to the light waves by the particles imbedded below, creates distortions that the viewer may not have initially experienced".
The viewer is encouraged to "orbit" the image so as to experience the changes and the appearance of not only the surface qualities but also the qualities of the deeper substructures and its contradictions.
According to the artist, the resulting images "captures a
glimpse of the flux of the universe arousing impressions of awe and beauty, yet ultimately conveying a sense of peace and quiescenc
Space probes, satellites and telescopes to gain inspiration and visual stimulus.
As a son of a meteorologist he was "always interested in the atmosphere and the Universe beyond it, and how the interaction between the many varied elements found within these realms co-existed and interacted".
His paintings are executed using a technique historically documented as "Hard Edge Painting" which developed a strong following in the Western United States of America in the middle of last Century.
This style of painting uses abrupt transitions between colour areas and textures.
Strong sharp edges are obtained through masking areas that then juxtapose with areas of undulating textures or disassociated smoothness and colour.
The artist then uses strong grid formations, composed from symmetries derived from Pi mathematical calculations. The resulting compositions represent squares and rectangles or "columns"
The pattern once arranged mimics those created for optical tricks, such as the Hermann Grid Illusion.
Within each work a variety of organic and synthetic additives are integrated into clear acrylic glazes.
These additives include various mica, mylar coatings, silica and metallic powders. The varieties of colour play that result from "colour flips" give the paintings their iridescent and radiant multidimensional surfaces.
"I am concerned with not only the surface appearance of naturally observable phenomena, but in turn how they reveal further underlying complex interplays beneath.
When light waves hit a paintings surface, the interference caused to the light waves by the particles imbedded below, creates distortions that the viewer may not have initially experienced".
The viewer is encouraged to "orbit" the image so as to experience the changes and the appearance of not only the surface qualities but also the qualities of the deeper substructures and its contradictions.
According to the artist, the resulting images "captures a
glimpse of the flux of the universe arousing impressions of awe and beauty, yet ultimately conveying a sense of peace and quiescenc
