Oblique Reference 1973

Here is a painting by Perle Fine called Oblique Reference. Notice the interlocking geometric shapes, rendered in muted grays, that dominate the composition. Each form, edged with delicate blue lines, seems to advance and recede simultaneously, creating an optical play across the surface. This systematic arrangement invites us to consider the underlying structure. Fine's strategic use of repetition and variation speaks to the core principles of structuralism, where meaning is derived from relationships within a system. The subtle color variations within the gray tones add depth, while the blue outlines serve as signifiers, subtly defining the boundaries. The semiotic interplay between figure and ground prompts a rethinking of spatial perception. The painting’s insistence on surface and structure directs us away from traditional representation towards a focus on the essential elements of painting itself. The artwork's deliberate disruption of fixed perspectives encourages viewers to actively engage in constructing their own interpretations, recognizing the fluid and ever-evolving nature of meaning.