Richard Whiteley's 'Illumine' glass works offer a mesmerizing exploration of the interplay between voids and solids, inviting viewers into a world of captivating artistic expression.
With a studio-based practice focused on abstracted forms, Whiteley masterfully utilizes the concept of voids as the primary compositional element in his creations. The process behind Whiteley's works is meticulous and intricate. Beginning with sketches and models, he strategically orders the voids within the glass, allowing them to dictate the construction of external structures that envelop and accentuate them. This inward-outward approach imbues his pieces with a profound sense of depth and complexity.
The material qualities of glass, particularly its transparency and translucency, play a crucial role in Whiteley's artistic vision. Light becomes the agent that activates his works, reflecting and refracting within the glass to create a dynamic dialogue between voids and solids. Each piece takes on a unique character as the qualities of light interact with the layers of form, evoking different moods and properties. The unpredictability of light adds an element of intrigue and vitality to Whiteley's creations.
While Whiteley initially drew inspiration from geometry and architectural language, his artistic journey has evolved over the years. Recently, he has found inspiration in the human body, infusing his works with organic and corporeal elements. The once rigid geometry of internal voids has gradually given way to asymmetry and further abstraction, resulting in pieces that exude a sense of fluidity and evoke a deeper emotional response from viewers.
Richard Whiteley's solo exhibition in 2016 at Sabbia Gallery was a testament to his artistic prowess and creative vision. It was a celebration of his innovative approach to glass art, where voids and solids intertwine to create a captivating visual experience.
