From Observation
Abigail F. McGuire – “Uncertainty” and “Unity”
Aspirations are majorly recognized by present emotions, or the conflict of emotions, which are can be expressed by artists through the intentional use of the Elements of Design and the Principles of Design. In the two paired pieces, Abigail McGuire expresses the parallel ideas of unity and uncertainty in relation to the prospect of aspirations in the future. She successfully communicates the simultaneous existence of these two conflicting ideas as individual works and as a one whole composition made of two parts.
The use of minimalism and abstraction symbolizes the conceptuality of the ideas of “uncertainty” and “unity”. Although simple, the two lines that almost intersect utilizes negative space as an implication of the unity shown in the neighboring panel but contrasts in its inability to finish the sense of unity. The sense of uncertainty is also communicated in this panel through the abundance of negative space surrounding the emphasized lines which projects the feelings of isolating doubt.
The radial design that inhabits the right panel builds the sense of rhythm through the organic organization of pattern and repetition in the design. The pattern and repeated shapes hold interest with the presence of size variation and variety of placement. In addition, proximity is used as a design principle to maintain a cohesive composition that undoubtedly communicates the idea of unity.
Furthermore, the color pallette of this piece is crucial in its relevance to the conceptual rendering. The diptych design encompasses a high key color scheme that puts emphasis on the lighter toned colors through the presence of a drastically contrasting darker toned background. The muted tonal color of the border also adds to interest for the composition so that it does not exist as solely black and white, but more humanly engaging. As a whole, the panels work very well together as two pieces of an intricate narrative that discusses the abstract and conceptual mysteries of the human mind in terms of self assurance and life itself.
