Page 59 - WOWwART

Louise P. Sloane Collins, a distin- guished abstract painter, has been a vibrant force in the art world since 1974. Her work, celebrated in an interview conducted for
A Master of Color and Form
Louise P. Sloane Collins, an abstract painter, masterfully combines minimalist ideologies with vibrant color and texture, creating dynamic compositions that engage viewers through geometric forms and personal narratives.
Mosaic Digest, is a testament to her mastery of color, texture, and form, seamless-
ly blending minimalist ideologies with expressive color and human mark-making. Sloane’s paintings are a visual symphony, where the elements of mark-making, color, and geometry compete for the viewer’s fo- cus, keeping the eyes and mind in constant motion.
with the geometric forms and color cont- rasts. The “writing” in her paintings is not meant to be read but serves as a vehicle for the paint’s color and depth, engaging the viewer with its recognizable nuance.
Sloane’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in the minimalist movement of the late 1960s, a period that significantly influenced her style. Her early exposure to American Minimalists, some of whom were her studio instructors, inspired her to contribute to
The physicality of paint and texture is paramount in Sloane’s process. Her works, whether on canvas, linen, metal, or paper, are imbued with a tactile quality that invites touch. This emphasis on texture has been
Louise P. Sloane Collins blends minimalist ideologies with expressive color, creating a unique visual language that captivates and inspires
the genre while developing her unique “signature style.” This style is characteri- zed by dense, raised markings that initially mimicked writing, evolving into a complex interplay of color and texture. Her use of color is particularly striking; she employs it straight-up, without mixing, allowing
the hues to blend optically and enhance the texture and luminosity of her work.
a significant thread throughout her 50-year career, offering viewers a tactile experience that is both engaging and immersive.
The square, a recurring motif in Sloane’s work, serves as a central structure in her paintings. This geometric form, often set within a grid, anchors the surface and draws the viewer’s gaze, creating a focal point that is both simple and profound. Over the years, the square has evolved in meaning, becoming a symbol of stability and focus in her compositions.
Sloane’s paintings are renowned for their complex color contrasts and layered tex- tures. She skillfully layers colors, whether through beeswax fused with heat or applied paint, creating a dynamic interplay of mo- vement and depth. This layering technique ensures that no color obliterates what lies beneath, adding to the emotional and visual experience of the viewer.
A distinctive feature of Sloane’s work is her incorporation of written words, religious symbols, and number codes. These elements create a richly textured surface that interacts
Sloane’s work bridges the gap betwe-
en abstraction and representation, fitting into the dialogue between modernism and postmodernism. Inspired by geometric abstraction and the Suprematist movement, her art reflects the influence of pioneers like Kazimir Malevich and Joseph Albers. The narratives within her abstract compositions are deeply personal, drawn from journals, poems, and song lyrics that hold meaning only to her. These narratives, however, are not meant to be deciphered; instead, they serve to emphasize the surface texture and color, forming a connection that transcends labels and movements.
Louise P. Sloane Collins’s work is a celebration of color, texture, and form, a tes- tament to her enduring influence in the art world. Her paintings, housed in prestigious collections such as the Heckscher Museum of Art and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, continue to captivate and inspire, offe- ring a unique blend of minimalist ideology and expressive artistry.
Her paintings are a mesmerizing blend of color and texture, offering a tactile experience that captivates and inspires viewers.
“My goal then and now was/is to add to the conversation of the genre of minimalism while creating my own ‘signature style.’”
Louise P. Sloane
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