Description:
This is a pen and ink drawing on orange graph paper featuring six boxes of abstract geometric imageries arranged into a grid of two columns and three rows with dots, straight and curved lines. The top left box, box 1, contains an ink drawing of a galaxy delineated by many ordered points. The top right box, called box 2, contains a drawing of liquid crystals in circular motion, while box 3 depicts liquid crystals in linear motion. Box 4 contains dots and lines denoting sub-atomic particles in a hydrogen chamber. Box 5 maps the motion of the stars. Box 6 represents an artist’s statement in Morse code.
The Morse code translates to this text: "If the mind possesses universar [universal] variditi [validity], art revears [reveals] a universar [universal] truth. I want that truth."
Label Text:
Label text from the exhibition (OFF)BALANCE: Art in the Age of Human Impact, March 27-May 9, 2025:
Agnes Denes, a pioneer of conceptual and environmental art, explores the intersection of mathematics, philosophy, and artistic inquiry in Point=Line=Art=Intellect. Through its precise use of form, line, and structure, the drawing examines the imposition of order and meaning onto both physical and intellectual landscapes. Influenced by her background in philosophy and mathematics, Denes employs visual language to investigate how human systems shape and redefine the natural world.
This work explores the ongoing process of defining, disrupting, and reinterpreting natural patterns. By reducing visual elements to fundamental components, Point=Line=Art=Intellect seems to challenge perceptions of nature as an objective reality, emphasizing the role of artistic and intellectual mediation. The work was selected to represent the Anthropocene’s paradox: that human influence is both creative and destructive, encouraging contemplation of art’s potential to reshape understanding and engage with an evolving world. - Bo Kim, MFA Candidate in Studio Arts
Tags:
conceptual art; abstract Subjects:
Conceptual art; Art, Abstract Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=UM+1974.7 |
