Celebrating its 35th Anniversary, the Ralli Museum of Punta del Este presents the exhibition "Movement & Rhythm," featuring works by significant artists in Optical, Kinetic, and Digital Art.
Optical illusions deceive the visual system. They occur when the eye registers an image that can be interpreted in various ways, but the brain is only capable of assimilating one image at a time, creating a degree of confusion which leads to a distorted perception of reality. These illusions can be physiological, associated with the effects of stimulation on the eyes or brain; or cognitive, where our knowledge of the world plays a role.
The representation of movement in the visual arts began with cave paintings, where, in some instances, animals were depicted with multiple legs to show them running. Later, in ancient mosaics, geometric designs abounded, where optical illusions induced the perception of relief and three-dimensionality. The stained glass in cathedrals is considered an origin of Kinetic Art, creating environments that change with the day's shifting light and generate motion. Throughout the centuries, art history shows examples of trompe-l'oeil (deceives the eye) that play with perspective and chiaroscuro in painting and architecture.
Since the 18th century, with the Industrial Revolution, electricity transformed the way the fine arts were conceived and materialised, influencing various artistic movements across the world such as Futurism, Dadaism, Constructivism, Concretism, and fundamentally paving the way for the ideas of the Bauhaus design school in the 1920s, thus changing general aesthetics.
Op and Kinetic Art, as distinct movements, materialised in the second half of the 20th century. The research and study of geometric abstraction and the deliberate distortion of reality immerse us in a parallel perception. The effect of motion in a work of art can be attributed to three factors: physical, optical, and perceptual movement. The observer must participate actively by moving around the artwork to fully grasp the optical effect. Under this concept, interpretation remains subjective.
Innovations accelerated throughout the 20th century and were further enhanced in the 21st. We witness the evolution from early works incorporating artificial light and movement to the sophisticated computerised creations of Digital Art. Collectible Digital Assets or NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are an artistic movement managed via blockchain technology. These digital works become crypto art pieces when linked to an NFT, thereby assuring their authenticity.
This exhibition features pre-eminent artists such as Victor Vasarely, Yaacov Agam, Isia Leviant, Julio Le Parc, Carlos Cruz Diez, Alexander Calder, Manuel Espinosa, Matilde Pérez, Liliana Iturriaga, Omar Rayo, Marina Apollonio, Horacio García Rossi, Daniel Escardo, Gustavo Genta, José Pedro Costigliolo, and Batto.
