Wave Function Collapse

'Wave Function Collapse' is a part of my ‘Collapsing Chromaverse’ series which deep dives into abstraction and colorfield with a futurist tilt responding to the digital and generative aesthetics of our time.

This series is a continuation of works in my practice investigating visual/perceptual phenomena, and the numerous ways and mediums colour gradients can be represented. I am interested in how new digital aesthetics inform traditional mediums and how we respond to it as we navigate a period of hyper creativity in human history.
These works form part of my ‘Chromaverse’ series which are studies in two visually opposite styles/techniques and finding a transition point between them. Detailed hand brushed patterns form abstract shapes which interact with a background of air brushed colour gradients creating a sense of movement and space as if it exists in its own ‘Multiverse’ or ‘Chromaverse’.

The gradient patterns began in the form of drawing which mimicked the lines of topography. Through abstraction they serve as an almost generative art function as there is no preconceived form or final composition. The pattern grows through repetition and within the parameters of change to colour value and hue. These patterns are similar in function to Sol LeWitt’s ‘Wall Drawings’ an early example of generative art, in particular ‘Wall Drawing 797’ 1995. They also reference Frank Stella’s 1990s series of works titled ‘Imaginary Places’.

As our lives become increasingly digital our relationship to colour has changed. We experience a hyper saturated and hyper contrasting world via our screens. The air brushed gradients mimic this saturation overload we experience in our daily lives.

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Alana Tracey is a multidisciplinary artist based in Sydney. A Fine Arts graduate of
Art & Design UNSW (formerly COFA); with post-graduate studies in Media Arts and
Production at the University of Technology Sydney.

Her work investigates abstract, colorfield and op art visual and spatial sensibilities
through painting and installation using colour gradient interactions and pattern
repetition.

She has exhibited and screened her works at the Sydney Film Festival, This is Not
Art, Electrofringe, Rainbow Serpent, Regrowth, Subsonic, Earthcore, Lost Paradise
and various artist run initiatives within the urban jungle of Sydney.

In 2012 she participated in the Ne’na Contemporary Artspace Residency program
in partnership with Monfai Cultural Centre, Chiang Mai Northern Thailand. She is
currently a resident studio artist at Mothership Studios in Marrickville Sydney.