AMINA McCONVELL: A COMBINATORIAL EXPLOSION
A Combinatorial Explosion is an installation and mural work which looks at exponential, cascading chain reactions that occur in nuclear explosions. Within the context of this body of work, these chain reactions function as a signifier of a potential global catastrophe; whereby growth occurs too rapidly and decay soon follows. The artist uses geometric conceptualism and abstract forms to convey the stages of the nuclear reaction. The diagrammatic forms are used to create a progressive abstract composition, within which, one form triggers another, and then another, and another in progression. This progression of shapes and forms makes its way around the gallery, so that the space becomes enveloped by a single large-scale composition. The abstract forms are cartoon graphic, geometric and are situated in a shifting spatial landscape. The composition is dense in form, colour and pattern, as the artist revisits the aesthetic of the Atomic Age Design movement. The Atomic Age Design movement came about during the early cold war era; enthusiastically embracing the atomic age through design, with a vision of a bright atomic future represented by 'futuristic' geometric design - considering the corresponding context of the terror of the threat of a global nuclear disaster, the Atomic Age Design aesthetic with its bright colours and bubbly high-kitsch style carries a heavy irony. The artist’s work is also influenced by the Neo-Geo Conceptual Movement from the 1980's, which derived its aesthetics from previous art movements such as minimalism, pop art and op art – but used this abstract language to criticise modern life.
Opening: 6pm Sunday 22 September, 2019
Exhibition: 22 September - 13 October
Visits by appointment email: pirrie.space@gmail.com
A Combinatorial Explosion 2019, Acrylic mural, gator foam boards with acrylic paint and posca markers.
This project is proudly supported by the Australia Council for The Arts and Arts NT.
