JACK CHRISTIE
 Curated by Iain Coleman

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Drawing and photographic computer programmes have been used to manipulate freehand drawings and digital imagery into articulate compositions. Some of the these display angular shapes and forms derived using traditional drawing methods, while others have been contrived with digital drawing applications. A number of the artworks have been created solely by using the tools available in the digital applications. These are usually just explorations of the digital media process thus producing interesting effects.

 

In some of the art imagery amorphous shapes seem to be floating over each other in a spatial void. A variety of computer generated adjustments and filters have been applied in a myriad of ways to produce amorphous and structured shapes. Many images were crystallised and the edges are accented repeatedly, producing smooth amorphous edges and regulated patterns. Primary colours have been overlaid to produce tertiary colourations in green and hints of violet over a black void.

 

Other artworks involved using manually drawn and computer derived drawings and images, which were then manipulated and digitally enhanced using the application tools and filters. As this art is computer generated its formulated effects tend to be somewhat unnatural. The overall effect of the technique on the form of the artwork can become extremely derivative and can lose a lot of its aesthetic charm. It can become a bit too sophisticated and overpowered by the level of its digital amplification. A range of shapes are similarly repeated in a vaguely horizontal and vertical grid patterns. Basic colours and patterns are employed, from geometric lines and simple amorphous shapes to make it easier to control such irrepressible nuances of pattern and image. The artworks can seem a little monotonous at times but deeper investigation shows the involved nature in their construction.

 

The main concepts were formed using shape elements, basic colour principles and informal use of media and digital techniques which are essentially based on traditional. These arrangements connect the relationships between the different qualities of colour, shapes, and forms in space. Corresponding proportions produce harmonies of repetitive pattern and rhythm.

 

Having come from a traditional formal understanding of art, essentially formal abstract expressionistic in nature, Jack has discovered and developed his own rules that emanated from his insular and solitary being. The “acoustic effect” has been enhanced using image adjustment tools and photographic filters; digitally derived incarnations of traditional methods. The works are motivated by the media and methods of application. This produces a myriad of ways in expression and the subsequent delight of new insights; albeit based on past aesthetics. These emulations have evolved from incarnations of past accomplishments, and failures, to control and justify his artistic presentations of the future.