Light is colour

In this collaborative project I worked in cross discipline teams to create a series of screen print and paper sculptural objects that are animated through the interaction of colour. I was then introduced to screen-printing as a vehicle for colour interaction and how colour can generate spatial illusions, ambiguities and optical movement.

The first thing we did was actually look at colours and which ones contrasted each other,as well as what colours contained other colours and how to bring those colours out of them. For example, bringing the red out of purple by having red behind/next to the purple.

Bearing those colours in mind, we headed to the print studios and started to plan out geometrical-themed prints. Me and my group agreed on using mainly triangular shapes as they are interesting to use by being able to alter their shapes and still being able to fit them together;

After preparing the screens for the prints, we began choosing paper that would compliment/contrast the paint we had made earlier in the day. We first made basic prints to practice with and make adjustments if needed and to test out how the colours looked together. We then proceeded to overprint by slightly moving the paper before printing which left a 3D effect, or by placing the paper in completely different places to see what patterns it created. As well as overprinting, we tried out using different colours at the same time, which created interesting ombré effects, resembling sunsets/sunrises when we used red and yellow, for example.

After getting all of these prints together, I started planning what to do with all of them. I looked at Frank Stella’s work which inspired me to make a sort of 3D collage.

I wanted to use the idea of cutting out abstract shapes and putting them together by choosing what contrasted well, using colours and shapes. I also wanted to make it more interesting by using both sides of the paper to create a 3D collage so that it almost becomes a sculptural piece. This is where I’m currently at with the piece;

I’ve started to experiment with the colours and looking into making the prints come out of the page on one side. I’ve also decided to show some colour from underneath by cutting out shapes on a print that’s stuck on top of it. I think this develops it by adding texture to the flatter areas. I will be looking into adding more layers by cutting out more shapes and then move on to the other side, then perhaps add string to the top to make it kinetic.

This is exactly how I went with it and I’m very pleased with the result. It’s kinetic from the string and bursting with contrasting shapes and colours, creating an all-round “moving” object. The two-sided aspect creates something a lot more interesting in comparison with just a one-sided collage, and also sculptural, which is what I was intending on creating. We then formed as a group once again and wanted to look into layering the prints and see what we could form from this. We then agreed on cutting pieces from the middle to create a geometrical landscape;

We stuck to using many triangles to compliment the triangular shapes on the print but contrasted the colours to have the layers stand out. I’m really pleased with this outcome, as it’s simple but definitely has depth, making it a very eye-catching piece, with the front print almost framing the landscape, creating a ‘finished’ look to it.