Peter Halley

Reading artist statements can either help in ones appreciation of an artist's work or detract from the viewer's opinion that has already formed an idea or personal understanding of an artists work. However, after reading Peter Halley's notes on Painting, I found myself with a greater appreciation and understanding of his art. Geometric abstraction falls into the "can't everybody do that?" category. As an artist one knows there's more behind the squares on canvas than just abstract shape. I found Peter Halley's idea that his shapes represent cells and networks that represent the geometric world in which humans conform incredibly interesting. An office with cubicles being the most visual reference to come to mind. All the workers have to move around and live their days based off of a geometric set up. Perhaps humans are playing in a real life game of packman. Halley claims that geometry displaces nature and the natural environment. It also then displaces our freedom to exist freely. Therefore, out entire enviornment is artificial. I am glad that I read Hally's statement. I can now find a deeper meaning and understanding of his work that didn't come easy upon my first look.