The high-water mark of Modernist theory in the early twentieth century, geometric abstraction has never ceased to fascinate by its intellectual rigour and formal purity. Supernova brings together a group of works by contemporary British artists which examines the evolution and continuing relevance of this genre in the 21st century.

The youngest of the artists represented in Supernova, Toby Zeigler and Dan Norton use digital technology to a greater or lesser degree, as a new means of exploring the formal spatial and architectural concerns which have always been central to this form of abstraction. In the early years of the machine age, geometric abstraction spoke of absolutes of modernity, both technological and ideological. In the same way as Piet Mondrian’s iconic Broadway Boogie Woogie of 1942 has been seen as a celebration of the vibrant modernity of New York, these younger British artists forefront new media techniques in their re-figuring of this genre for a new era.

Artists from a previous generation in the exhibition such as Gary Hume and Keith Coventry made ironic reference to early twentieth century abstraction. In Coventry’s case the references to Suprematist painting served to illustrate the failure of utopian discourses. Similarly, Jane and Louise Wilson’s projection Monument (Apollo Pavilion, Peterlee, 2003) features Victor Pasmore’s sculpture for the post-war new town: an unloved relic of an era of confidence in an egalitarian future. By contrast, Liam Gillick’s work suggests a continuing optimism in the positive social influence of the built environment.

Supernova features thirteen artists, with work covering the past decade. Largely comprising paintings, the exhibition also includes projection works. Works in the exhibition have been drawn from the British Council collection, private lenders and other collections.

A catalogue with an essay by Caroline Douglas, colour illustrations of the works included together with a biography and brief bibliography for each artist was published by the British Council, and is available from Cornerhouse www.cornerhouse.org ISBN 0-86355-539X

A Polish version of the catalogue was published by Bunkier Sztuki.  No ISBN. In Nicosia Supernova was shown alongside a related exhibition, Constellations, of contemporary Cypriot and Greek art curated by Yiannis Toumazis. A catalogue, published by the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre, accompanied this collaboration. ISBN 978-9963-575-56-5.

 

Collection Artist(s)

Glossary

  • Abstraction

    To abstract means to remove, and in the art sense it means that artist has removed or withheld references to an object, landscape or figure to produce a simplified or schematic work. This method of creating art has led to many critical theories; some theorists considered this the purest form of art: art for art’s sake. Unconcerned as it is with materiality, abstraction is often considered as representing the spiritual.

  • Contemporary

    Existing or coming into being at the same period; of today or of the present. The term that designates art being made today.

  • Genre

    In a specialised sense this term refers to the portrayal of everyday life, and refers to painting; more broadly it means the subject types covered by an artist.

    The 17th Century French Academy decreed that there were five main genres an artist should study. These were History, Portrait, Genre, Landscape and Still Life. History was considered the most important as it portrayed Man in his most noblest endeavours and in his relationship with God; Still Life the lowest as it dealt with the moribund and innate.

  • Painting

    Work of art made with paint on a surface. Often the surface, also called a support, is a tightly stretched piece of canvas, paper or a wooden panel. Painting involves a wide range of techniques and materials, along with the artist's intellectual concerns effecting the content of a work.

  • Sculpture

    A three-dimensional work of art. Such works may be carved, modelled, constructed, or cast. Sculptures can also be described as assemblage, in the round, relief, and made in a huge variety of media. Contemporary practice also includes live elements, as in Gilbert & George 'Living Sculpture' as well as broadcast work, radio or sound sculpture.