Rotary Glass Plates (Precision Optics) – Marcel Duchamp 1920 & Filmstudie (stills) – Hans Richer 1925

Looking at two different generations of artists, in the 1920’s and the 1970’s, Geometry of Motion opening in March at the MOMA, sets out to survey artists who used unconventional optical techniques, made light-machines and explored geometric abstraction in film. Featured in the show are ‘fourteen historic works that trace the transformation of the art object from static image to fluid light projection’ Works by László Moholy-Nagy, El Lissitzky and Hans Richer can be viewed along side later works by Robert Irwin and Gordon Matta Clark.

Dataisnature has been particularly interested in the aesthetics of the first group of artists, relying on the chimerical properties of light projection and kinetics while employing distinctly graphical styles. These early works are firm contenders to be placed a precursors to current contemporary practices with real-time light installation and club projection.

Onwards:
Boston Gems #1 - László Moholy-Nagy’s Light Space Modulator
Kinetic Art & Architecture # 1