Martin Avsenik is inspired by classical 20th-century art, especially Cubism, Constructivism and abstract art. He likes to experiment with shapes, textures and colours and strives to create transparency and catch the right effect of light in his work. But this artist from Slovenia does not use a brush or layers of paint to express himself. Instead, he uses the latest computer and illumination technology to create what he describes as "light objects". For his first exhibition in Dubai, Illuminated Sound Pictures, Avsenik has taken his work a step further by combining images, sound and animation technology to create illuminated sound pictures that are projected on a screen.
Avsenik's abstract compositions are an intriguing mix of organic and geometric shapes and textures. He uses different tones of the same colour or contrasting colours and layers of various forms to create a sense of depth. The frameless artworks are enclosed in thin, transparent, acrylic glass casing, giving the impression of an image floating in the air. And the illumination from behind gives them a surreal, magical feel.
The cables emerging from the light objects and the electronic equipment set up in the gallery are reminders of the rather deliberate technical process by which the artworks have been created. But Avsenik insists that the artistic process itself is spontaneous. "Technology has given modern artists a lot of freedom to create new things in new ways. But the ultimate quest of all artists is to create art with a soul. My compositions are inspired by my memories and feelings. They are landscapes of my mind and spirit screened in the projection room of my consciousness, thoughts, experiences and emotions," he says.
The artist begins each work on paper with a simple pencil sketch. Many of the shapes and textures in his compositions are derived from nature, often from photographs he takes on his mobile phone during walks in the Ljubljana countryside.
He creates many of the textures by hand — by crushing or embossing foil. He then uses the latest software and technology to digitally combine these with computer-generated geometric forms and textures. The colours in the artworks reflect his moods but the tones and shades are precisely created.
"Artists through the ages have been interested in capturing light in their work. While classical masters did it by careful layering of paint, the glow of light was almost impossible to capture with modern art styles such as action painting. But by using graphic technology and illumination, I can produce action painting-like forms that have transparency and shine," Avsenik says.
After the picture has been composed, it is printed on a transparent pigment foil and illuminated from behind with special dynamic lamps. The intensity of the light can be adjusted by remote control to suit the lighting in the room. "The process of creating these pieces is a game between rational thinking and emotion. There is planning involved but as usually happens in art, once I begin putting it together, the painting takes over, guiding me to improvise and explore new ideas and emotions," Avsenik says.
Interestingly, the artist was a professional musician before he decided to study art. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Ljubljana, he worked as a graphic designer for a publishing company that created art catalogues. The job gave him the opportunity to learn about digital technology, which led to his interest in creating digital art. A decade ago, he began experimenting with light, to add another dimension to his work. And now he is going back to his musical roots by including sound in his artworks to create musical, animated versions of his abstract compositions. These illuminated sound pictures are projected on a screen in the gallery.
"I am happy that the advancement in computer graphics has given me the opportunity of combining my two passions — art and music. Through these illuminated sound pictures, I want to explore the connection between shape, colour and music and share the artistic process with viewers. These pictures document the entire process, which starts with an empty canvas and is then slowly filled with shapes, colours and textures that reflect different moods and emotions. I have carefully selected a piece of electronic computer-generated music to complement the changes in form and colour intensity. But in future, I want to compose the music for my artworks myself," Avsenik says.
The artist has experimented further with this technology by combining other elements — such as architecture and theatre — for use in art, photography and advertising. "Dubai is a place that welcomes new ideas and experiences and I hope art lovers here will appreciate my first exhibition in the city," he says.
Jyoti Kalsi is a UAE-based arts enthusiast.
Illuminated Sound Pictures by Martin Avsenik will run at the Gallery of Light, DUCTAC, in Mall of the Emirates until October 31.
