Symmetric Difference

Eduardo Secci Contemporary is pleased to present “Symmetric Difference” a solo show of new works by Terry Haggerty at our gallery’s spaces in Piazza Goldoni 2, on September 13, 2019 starting at 6:30 pm.

The show features a new series of shaped paintings, metal relief objects and a site-specific wall drawing that further expands Haggerty’s distinct visual range through simple curved compositions. Expanding the boundaries of abstract art, Haggerty creates his own distinct visual language through the exploration of form and perception to translate natural shapes, man-made objects and ambiguous forms into captivating compositions of lines that oscillate between the flat space and the dimensional one.

Over time, the artist’s practice has evolved from simple, recurrent, line arrangements to encompass shaped canvases and three-dimensional works. Taking the pared-down language of abstraction associated with Formalism as a point of departure, Haggerty draws on influences ranging from Minimalism to Pop and Op Art. Haggerty’s work appears almost impossible to the eye; in asserting a spatial presence, yet distorting illusory perceptions, that provoke new ways of experiencing three-dimensionality.

The viewer is drawn to his paintings for their flatness and technically consummate surface perfection, which is achieved by applying multiple layers of varnish. As a result, the material quality of the painted object has a mysterious appearance.

These paintings easily toggle the dynamic pictorial space and their crafted presence, maximizing the impression of three-dimensionality. Haggerty lengthens the plane of the image beyond sight to define both the use of the visible and the invisible space.

The focus of the perception gradually moves towards the visible quality of the painted panels. The cropping sections serve as both positive and negative elements that define the different structures and confer the image a more dynamic and sculptural look.

Coherent with his previous works, Haggerty continues to be interested in and create works that have two coinciding perspectives, while the ribbon-like shapes fold and curve to depict two contradicting views on the same plane. The compositions seem almost impossible to our eyes: in affirming a spatial presence, yet distorting the illusionary perceptions, these objects propose and provoke new ways to experiment three-dimensionality.