graem whyte at spaysky fine art gallery
A Beginner’s Guide to Constructing the Universe
“Centered on an immersive sculptural work that dominates the gallery space, Whyte utilizes repeated geometry as a building block for expansion into complex forms. Mimicking microphysics and architecture, the piece is a monumental yet ephemeral structure—its overlapping lines shifting with the viewer’s perspective. Crafted from historic ephemera salvaged from Detroit’s Bohemian National Home, Whyte assembles these patterned forms into basic geometric units, creating a sprawling, symmetrical cosmos of interlocking shapes. The work interrogates the hidden architectures of existence and sacred geometry, investigating construction from its most fundamental to its most elaborate levels.”
Site specifically created, The Proto Embryo is constructed from abandoned hangers in the coat check room at the Bohemian National Home. Handcrafted with care and consideration, these imperfect but sturdy objects reincarnate into a conception of universal and atomic structure. Although the piece consumes most of the gallery’s available space, it doesn’t overwhelm due to transparency.
Hooks from the hangers in Embryo are assembled into a visual hypothesis on dark matter. MIG wire is allowed to remain adding a delicate complement to the heavier curved shapes.
Matrix Sketch appears to have been melted rather than cast reading almost figurative. Each piece in this show sports its own metallic coloration distinguishing one theory from another.
The rubber chicken has historically provided comic relief when things get too serious. In this case it supplies the foil to solely scientific, mathematical conclusions regarding the universe’s architecture and contents, to which there lies such prodigious uncertainty, religion is often the counterpoint to address gaping intellectual vacancies.
According to astrophysicists, only 5% of the Universe is known. 95% is dark matter and dark energy which remain a complete mystery to even the greatest minds of our time. This leaves the door wide open for interpretation including spiritual reasoning. Whyte proposes a framework as plausible as any to a monumental conundrum humans have yet to come close to solving.
On view through May 16th at Spaysky Fine Art Gallery 1539 Hubbard Detroit
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
**Big thank you to Melannie Chard who has supported this publication from the jump. Her gallery, M Contemporary Art, continues to exhibit extraordinary talent and this month’s show is no exception. Be sure to check out Malt's newest pieces on view now.
Real Art Detroit is a reader-supported independent publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thank you!
FRIENDS OF DETROIT ART
Maureen Bunch
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND