The wall component is a non-objective painting – a monochrome square. If we understand the illusionistic space of a figurative painting as occurring between the painterly construction of a foreground and background, then a non-objective painting does away with figurative space by being rid of a foreground and background. Painterly construction gives way to physical construction.
Yet, in the truth works, the physical addition of a geometric shape intercepts the monochrome painting with a dilemma. In terms of painterly construction, the truth works are without a foreground and background. Yet in terms of physical construction, a geometric shape with physical depth on top of another renders the former a foreground and the latter a background.
The painterly construction is, therefore, in disagreement with the physical construction of these truth works. What, then, is their truth? The watercolour encyclopaedia entitled ‘Encyclopaedia of finding the truth in art’ begins with ‘They disagreed’.
The painting hangs in a floorplan based on its physical construction. It hangs 2 mi up and 3 un across. It hangs in the same place whether viewed as a monochrome (turquoise) square, or as a green geometric shape placed on top of the turquoise square.
This is the truth of the turquoise and green truth work, a truth the protagonists within the situation are unable to see.

truth works: turquoise and green

Specifications
truth works: turquoise and green is made of acrylic on wood, watercolour and lead pencil on paper.

The work comprises components with an overall measurement of 45 x 75 x ‘X’.

Edition
truth works: turquoise and green is in an edition. The edition includes:
Exhibitions, events & artist pages
23/02/2010 Leave the line standing, St Canice’s Annex, Sydney

Holdings
Gail Hastings’ studio
truth works: turquoise and green is available for acquisition. Please enquire about viewing the artwork.

Gail Hastings