John F. Simon Jr. creates unique wall structures that are palpable and slightly dimensional, yet are relatively confined to the two-dimensional picture plane. The intense depth, illusory volume and space is achieved by the combination of the shaped structures and the internal tension created from the use of line, a range of color and values as well as the overlapping of the geometric polygonal shapes used to create the cast shadows and dynamic compositions. This interplay excites the eye and makes the viewer more receptive to the possibility of overlapping planes, internal volume and depth in each structure. These are not the exact techniques used by Richard Anuszkiewicz, Bridget Riley, Julian Stanczak or Ed Mieczkowski, yet it is evocative of the optical and illusory use of line, color and shape used by those masters of Op Art in the 1960s and 70s.
Two of the constructions below, Grids, 2020 and Blue Steel, 2020 are new and will be included in Simon’s upcoming exhibition in the fall of 2020 at David Richard Gallery in New York. Therefore, this is a preview of these works prior to the show. The other works below are from the Innerhole series and exhibition of the same name in 2010.
John F Simon, Jr. Grids, 2020 HDU, Trupan, Plastic Laminate, acrylic paint 56 x 38.3 x 3.5”
John F Simon, Jr. Blue Steel, 2020 HDU, Trupan, acrylic paint 52 x 47.25 x 3.5"
John F Simon, Jr. Grids, 2010 Trupan Ultralight, Plastic laminate, Flashe paint 43 x 45.5 x .75”
John F Simon, Jr. Phylogons, 2010 Trupan Ultralight, Plastic laminate, Flashe paint 47 x 66 x .75”
John F Simon, Jr. Deco, 2010 Trupan Ultralight, Plastic laminate, Flashe paint 46 x 59 x .75”
About the Innerhole Series of Artworks:
The imagery and compositions for the Innerhole series was selected from the artist's daily drawings where "cycle symbols" appeared consistently. Cycle symbols resemble polygonal shapes in motion about a center. The interior of the ring is empty, forming the inner hole, also because the circle is complete, an "inner whole". The inner hole and strong flowing shapes evoke a swirling motion that makes the gestures grand and dynamic, commanding a sense of water, wind and vast journeys on one hand, with strongly contrasting visions of the cool, geometric and constellation-like structures of the more expansive galaxy on the other hand.
John F. Simon, Bio: John F. Simon Jr, a New York-based artist who uses programming and digital language as his primary visual medium. He combines his digital explorations of color and pattern with diverse laser cut, engraved and inlayed materials, assemblages, paint and graphite to create complete environments and visualizations of meditative explorations. Simon also explores the web as an important tool for creativity and communication. He has been creating a new drawing everyday and posting them on iclock.com since 2008. Simon earned his MFA in computer art from the School of visual arts in New York, an MA in Earth and Planetary Science form Washington University in St. Louis, as well as a BA in Studio Art and BS in Geology, both from Brown University in Providence, RI. His artworks have been exhibited internationally and he was represented by Sandra Gering in New York for much of his career, Simon has had numerous museum exhibitions at Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, The Albright Knox Art Gallery; Buffalo, NY, The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC, Digital Art Museum [DAM], Berlin, Germany, Louisiana Art and Science Museum, Baton Rouge, LA, Alexandria Museum of Art, Alexandria, LA, The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, Ridgefield, CT, University of Iowa Museum of Art, Iowa City, IA, University Art Museum, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, an Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio, TX, Denver Art Museum; Denver, CO, among many other others.