Woonnaall 1970 - 1975

Victor Vasarely created this painting, Woonnaall, with flat colours applied in precise lines that make up a series of nested rectangles. Isn't it interesting how the colour pairings in this work create such a strong sense of depth? Like the colour itself is burrowing into the surface? The textures are perfectly smooth, and you can't see a trace of the artist’s hand, but the careful gradations create a portal effect. The top section of the painting, shifting from light pink to a deep plum, feels like it's receding into the distance, while the blues and greens below vibrate like a cool, echoing space. I'm reminded of Ellsworth Kelly here; both artists create work which uses geometry to make you feel a certain way. Maybe the painting is a window, or maybe it’s a set of pathways, or maybe it’s just a really well-executed illusion. What do you see?