This is an original acrylic on panel painting entitled "November 4 2020." It measures 24" X 24" and is part of my "Asterism Series" of works. The term "asterism" refers to the "X" that appears to the eye -- but does not exist in the painting -- and occurs when contiguous colors interact from light to dark or dark to light. I am influenced by the Op Artists of the 1960s and 1970s -- especially Julian Stanczak and Richard Anuszkiewicz. It is wired for hanging, and I have finished all four sides, so no frame is needed.
By using carefully placed squares of precisely chosen colors, my Asterism Series of paintings creates an illusion of an “X” that exists only in the eye and mind of the viewer – but not in the painting itself. Some of these paintings appear to be lit from within, glowing with a natural light. Some give an illusion of falling into an abyss, while others surge like waves on water.
I borrowed the term Asterism from gemologists who use it to describe the “X” that appears in gems such as Star Sapphires. Julian Stanczak’s “Lumina Series” paintings have subtle instances of this effect. I am exploring ways to achieve dramatic use of the Asterism effect in this series.
In a way, my Asterism paintings are akin to the Pointillism works from the 19th century, where small packets of pure color were meticulously placed to create an image when viewed from a distance. Similarly, my Asterism effect relies on the viewer’s perception to construct an image that isn’t physically present in the artwork itself. This series challenges the observer's interaction with art, making the experience uniquely personal and dynamic. By contemplating these pieces, viewers are invited to explore the boundaries of visual perception and delve into the enigmatic interplay of color and form.
One person commented on one of my Asterism paintings in a juried show: “Like a sunrise on a pixelated screen — this piece takes you back and pulls you forward all at once. A grid of tiny squares shifts from deep purple to electric yellow, glowing with vintage vibes and analog rhythm. Think disco lights, lava lamps, and lo-fi daydreams.”