Sunday, December 2, 2012





G E O F  M C F E T R I D G E

( Shapes Within )

Geof McFetridge graduated from the Alberta College of Art and California Institute of the Arts.  He is an extremely talented designer and artist.  McFetridge is extremely diverse in his work and does everything from poetry to 3D design.  He currently lives in LA and leaps the divide between design and fine art on a daily basis.  His work is known for its interesting play with shape and space. His work is detailed and abstract at the same time. What is interesting about his work is it takes time is appreciate and navigate through.  It is not just a bunch of colors and meaningless shapes, but everything has a purpose.  He has done a significant amount of work for the New York Times, Nike, and Colette. 
              After researching this work I did not find the title but still am extremely impressed with it's visual aesthetics.  The break up of space in a 4 x 4 grid is immediately recognized in the 6 perfectly spaced and same sized dark grey circles. It is the top view of six figures who are using a red rectangle in a different way. Visually the angular movement of all the characters keep the eye moving left, right up and down staying within the grid. It is primarily simple shapes and curves.  The muted tones give the piece although simple geometry, a heightened elegance. 
              The movement of this space is what I find most interesting. It is extremely clever design with the 6 dots.  I enjoyed how each head became a unique individual. I also enjoyed how the red shapes became a briefcase, a box, a table, a camera and whatever else it could be. The view from above also adds interest because the faces are obscured.  Who are these people?  Where are they going? It also means to me how we all are moving in different directions yet are connected through overall movement of directions. The clever use of shape also makes this piece a pleasure to view.  He turned 6 dots into a cohesive design through shape.  The simple elegance of this piece interests me in viewing more of his work and how he plays with shape and negative space.

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