Optical and Geometrical Allover Patterns by Jean Larcher

Author:Jean Larcher
Language: deu
Format: epub
Publisher: Dover Publications

PREFACE

The various studies offered in this book represent a logical step resulting from the many years I have devoted to Op Art. In a previous book (1974), Dover Publications had already given me the opportunity of treating this subject. Here, original drawings, grouped thematically, lead first of all to a purely optical experiment, based on the contrast—at times optimum—of black and white and on the consequences of this contrast (optical saturation, vibrations, potential movement, visual illusions, etc.), and then to the working out of marginless, limitless drawings which become true “screens” or “grids.” These geometric networks can be extended in a systematic, regular and continuous manner, if one excepts certain difficulties, such as the shading off of tones—and these too can be repeated infinitely. The work of such painters as Vasarely, at the outset, then especially Bridget Riley, Morellet, Sol Lewitt and a few others, led me to deal with the idea of a repetitive, mechanical design derived from a serial process, one that would do away with an overly subjective composition that was the result of chance or the emotional inspiration of the moment.

Thus these designs proceed from the studies, observations and conclusions that I have drawn from certain phenomena that can be brought about by the opposition of black and white. Design students and teachers, as well as professional designers, will be able to develop, utilize and rework these suggested themes, and will then come upon new solutions. Moreover, I believe that, with the aid of technology and enough creative imagination, film, TV and the computer can be excellent tools available to the designer for manipulating, deforming and amplifying these designs to architectonic proportions, thus moving from the plane to three dimensions and then to space. With reflection, logic and imagination, even more interesting solutions and effects will be obtainable.

What I set forth in this book is principally a meditation on vision. The clear-minded and attentive viewer will come face to face with multiple retinal phenomena which may be different for different observers. I hope that this potential action will lead to a state of reflection and questioning on the nature of vision in general. And if I have long championed the binary color scheme of black and white, it has been with the purpose of bringing the issue to a head. Once the subjective and emotional elements inherent in color have been set aside, the viewer will be able to learn how to look and not merely see.

Jean Larcher

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