Solar Plexus
Exhibition of artist Thomas Glassford
Quint Gallery, La Jolla, CA
Article by Cathy Breslaw
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| Orchid (Gold/Cerise) mirrored plexiglass and anodized aluminum 48" x 41 3/8" 2014 |
Shiny reflective mirrored
materials dominate in Solar Plexus, an exhibition of the
work of Thomas Glassford.The viewer is seduced into
this work much the same way we might be when we enter a fancy car dealership filled with slick-looking
expensive sports cars. Glassford uses mirrored acrylic, anodized aluminum,
holographic paper and fluorescent pigment to create these mostly wall reliefs
that share the boundaries of painting and sculpture. Industrial in their overall impression, the
works portray organic radial patterns that weave forms that range from animal
stripes and leaf structures, to other complex systems of lines and shapes. The
title of the show Solar Plexus hints that perhaps the shapes and forms refer
to the human biological term used for the complex sets of nerves located in the
abdomen. Or, the Sanskrit reference to the third ‘chakra’, defined as a beacon
of light/energy radiating from the center of the body. Light definitely radiates outward as the
viewer sees his/her own reflection as well as that of the surroundings of each
work. Though complex in their design, there is a ‘minimalist’ feel and
reference to the Op Art and Minimalism art movements of the 1960’s and 1970’s.
These rippled shaped metal works share a depth of space within each relief which is further enhanced by fluorescent
paints providing a glow emanating from the metal layers. Undeniably decorative
and entertaining, Glassford’s works are also well crafted and elegant.
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| Zebra(Mandarina) acrylic on holographic paper mounted on anodized aluminum in plexiglass frame 23 1/2" x 20 3/8" 2014 |
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