Mirage Construction 1988

Larry Bell's "Mirage Construction" presents a visual riddle composed of vertical bars, overlaid with fluid shapes and vibrant color fields. These vertical bars might evoke a sense of division and framing, recalling the architectural use of columns in classical temples. The column, a symbol of strength and stability, has appeared throughout history, from the temples of ancient Greece to the grand structures of the Renaissance. Here, the translucence dematerializes these solid forms, creating an interplay between solidity and ethereal instability. The tension between the ordered structure of the columns and the mirage-like shapes hints at the subconscious desire to create order within chaos. This echoes the ancient human drive to impose structure on the unpredictable forces of nature. As our perceptions shift, the artwork invites us to consider how symbols evolve and transform.