This body of work is an optics series inspired by artists like Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely of the Op Art movement of the 1960’s. They also pull from compositional and stylistic choices that mimic animation styles like that of Pink Panther in The Pink Phink. As a launching point from a study I did on optics, this series of work further incorporates the use of the laser cutter to create detailed linoleum blocks. 

It’s a continuation of designing an entirely visual experience for the viewer. Themes of perception apply in that directness of visual content. My hope is that this work is approachable in its non-specificity and lack of narrative which this form of abstraction lends itself to.

Working with relief printing I am combining this very old process with new methods of developing these prints. I am exploring what can be done with line and shape, and how their arrangement can create visual movement from a still image. Being in the studio and printing these is a slow and repetitive process that has been a really incredible space for personal reflection and growth in my art-making.

Shout out to my professor, Rob Fifield, for his investment in my art and design practice and his efforts in helping me develop my usage of our printmaking studio’s laser cutter for this series. Also, for recommending so many albums to listen to as I worked on this print series.

See prints Benign Understanding, Congruence, and Latency as a part of the Myriad exhibit at the Bryan Oliver Gallery until May 21st, 2022.

More work at www.dylangriffdesign.com