Minaret 1984

Tess Jaray's "Minaret" presents us with a study in spatial illusion through geometric abstraction. What dominates is a grid of blue diamonds set against a pale background, which immediately suggests a bending or curving form. The careful arrangement and color gradation of these diamonds play with our perception. As the blue deepens, this evokes a sense of depth, drawing the eye into the composition. This simple yet effective technique destabilizes our understanding of the flat surface, implying volume and movement where none exists. The title "Minaret" infuses the abstract forms with cultural significance, hinting at architectural shapes and cultural identity. The grid, a recurring motif in modernism, becomes more than just a structural element; it's a signifier of space, culture, and perhaps even the complex interplay between tradition and modernity. This prompts us to see the artwork not just as an aesthetic object, but as a cultural text that challenges our assumptions about space and representation.