Description
Oli Sihvonen's canvas was commissioned for the lobby of one of the agency buildings of the Empire State Plaza. The bare space, which functions primarily as a passage from the outside plaza area to the elevators, contains a large back wall, the two sides of which meet at an angle. Sihvonen enlivened the area with a brightly colored painting consisting of bold forms on four panels built to accommodate the recessed angle of the wall. The painting's large size, simple forms, and vibrant color create the illusion that the folded shape is actually pushing forward into the viewer's space. The painting is composed of three pairs of ellipses--yellow, blue, and dark red--positioned in a lighter, more brilliant red field. At first glance, the paired shapes appear to be randomly grouped. Closer inspection, however, reveals a carefully repeated pattern in both halves of the painting. Furthermore, although the discs are the same size, their diameters appear to vary according to color. Although the edges of the forms are carefully defined, they seem to vibrate slightly, adding to the subtle illusionistic effects of the painting. Reproduction of this image, including downloading, is prohibited without written authorization from the Estate of the Artist.
Details
- Work Date:
- 1968-69
- Location:
- Agency Building 3
- Dimensions:
- 10'-9" x 21'-6"
- Medium:
- Oil on canvas