This collection of five new artworks by Claude Gerard exemplify the artist’s nuanced approach to Op art, where geometric rigor and optical illusion converge to create a sense of active visual engagement. Drawing from the traditions of 1960s Op art, Gerard builds upon this lineage with a contemporary sensibility, using symmetrical, lattice-like patterns that vibrate with kinetic energy. The eye is drawn into and across the surface, activating a sensation of motion that contradicts the physical stillness of the work. This contrast between appearance and reality is foundational to Gerard’s artistic investigation.
Central to his pieces is the use of repetition and symmetry, which Gerard uses not just for visual effect, but as a meditative structure. These works function as visual mandalas—objects that demand prolonged looking, inviting viewers into a contemplative state. The central floral or starburst-like forms anchor the compositions, while the radiating patterns destabilize the gaze. This tension between focus and disorientation mirrors the internal processes of thought, introspection, and altered perception—key themes in Gerard’s practice.
A unique feature is their integration of sculptural qualities through layered surfaces and reflected color. The slight depth created by cut or built-up surfaces allows light to pass through or reflect within the work, subtly illuminating colored elements beneath the dominant black-and-white pattern. This interplay of material and light transforms the flat optical design into something tactile and immersive. In doing so, Gerard bridges the gap between painting and sculpture, a recurring interest in his multidisciplinary approach.
These formal choices are deeply connected to Gerard’s conceptual concerns. With a background in nursing and a personal interest in mental health and counter-culture, Gerard’s work often explores the relationship between perception, consciousness, and the body. The psychological effect of these optical patterns—at once hypnotic and destabilizing—can be read as metaphors for the complexities of the human mind. By destabilizing visual perception, Gerard mirrors the fragile balance of inner experience, offering viewers a space to reflect on their own mental landscapes.
Ultimately, these works serve not only as optical experiments but as visual meditations—objects that slow time and heighten awareness. Claude Gerard uses the language of Op art to do more than challenge vision; he encourages introspection. His art is a celebration of the intimate interplay between sensation and emotion, control and chaos. Through this layered, perceptual experience, Gerard reminds us of the delicate threads that tie together the personal and the universal, the visual and the psychological.
