A New Spin on Gravitational Art

Edzy Edzed
Pierre Leichner
Bill Westwell 

 
Gravity is a fundamental force for our existence. Yet it’s very essence remains a mystery. Ripples in the fabric of space and time –gravitational waves – were first detected in 2015. They arise from the collision of extraordinarily large objects such as black holes and neutron stars. These collisions generate heavy elements such as gold, platinum, and lead. Many astrophysicists believe that gravitational waves could open doors to a deeper understanding of our universe, even possibly its very origin.  

In this body of work the artists explore the force of gravity artistically. This mixed media presentation aims to engage viewers visually and physically in the experience. These works are imaginative representations, however each of the works was made using gravitational force directly and some can be activated by it. 

Our works are informed by abstract expressionism, spin, and fluid art. In the 1950’s Eugene Pera began spinning canvases vertically. This technique was modified by several illustrious artists since then including Jean Tanguely, Alfons Schilling, and Annik Gendron and Damien Hirst more recently. Fluid painting originated in the 1930’s with Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros. Pouring or splashing paint was popularized by abstract expressionists Jackson Pollock and Helen Frankenthaler.  

The exhibition consists of 8 to 12 painted wooden doors including folding doors, 12 gouged wooden paintings and 6 to 8 fluid paintings. Several smaller works by each artist can be installed vertically or horizontally, and viewers can spin them. Some doors are self-supporting and could be installed as room dividers.