1997

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Interview with Eric Hiller

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Artist Statement

These paintings could be described as visual jigsaw puzzles, they are not about reproducing external appearance (i.e., like in some illustrative landscapes, still lifes or portraits) instead they emphasize the relationship between part of a painting (shapes, lines etc.) or how pieces fit together to make a whole. The puzzle however, is not obviously illusionist, i.e., the work do not imply real space like a television screen, instead space is very shallow and difficult to identify.

Consequently there is a challenge for the spectator to solve the puzzle, or to interpret the spaces in the painting. For example which shape appears in the foreground, middle ground or background, or does the painting have a foreground, middle ground and background at all? Hence the works are about looking and learning how to look. One should not look for recognized objects, but instead accept the painting for what it is, a visual puzzle and look no further than its boundaries for solutions.

This problem solving task requires some consideration by the spectator, it is not easy, it is ambiguous, there is often more than one solution, it is not mathematical (the rules may change) and it is often temporary. For example the shape which appears to explode into the foreground at first glance may recede into the midle ground when its qualities are measured against other shapes and elements around it.

An artwork of ‘substance’ does not spoon-feed the spectator; instead it requires consideration and interpretation or solving, in this way art can be a rewarding experience. In most cultures looking is an underrated, voluntary procedure, imagine having the self discipline to view one of these picture for jut 15 minutes without distraction? The paintings initial impact would change radically and a visual journey would begin. Unfortunately some pictures do last only 7 seconds and the remaining 14 minutes and 53 seconds may not yield anything beneficial.

 

David Hawley
October 1997