Travess Smalley, Intangible Moments of Control @ bubblebyte.org

Travess Smalley
Intangible Moments of Control 
11/07/2012 - 13/08/2012

Private view
10/07/2012
7 pm - 11 pm BST (2 - 6pm EDT / 11am – 3pm PDT)

bubblebyte.org is pleased to present Intangible Moments of Control, an exhibition of new works by New York based artist Travess Smalley.

Smalley’s practice centers around the creation of digital images through an evolving process that often includes non-digital steps, such as painting, drawing, scanning, collage and printmaking. The works presented in Intangible Moments of Control, the first solo show of the artist on bubblebyte.org, are part of an on-going series of vector drawings, where signs, curves and selectors activate new sensorial relationships. Smalley, a savvy internet user, utilises the web as a source of inspiration and reflection, as well as a resource for exploiting digital techniques like vectors, learning them through online tutorials.

Taking inspiration from web communication strategies, this vector series acts to subvert their function while observing the logical contexts they belong to. Using the vernacular language of corporate 2.0 logos and advertising imagery, whilst subtracting their distinguished features until the point of transcendence, the work becomes fluid and shows a seductive abstract language.

Smalley transforms everyday digital language into new aestheticized forms, reverting their contextual references into a mood informed by color painting theory and computer graphics.

The circular shapes recall application icons and browser design, whilst becoming something altered through the use of synthetic colours. The works Chromer, Final Atmosphere, Toner explore the world of soft nuances whilst Alien, Glistener, Pure Access recall more acid music and rave culture palettes. Quicksilver, Timeless and Mercurail, form optical illusions inspired by 3D design and translucent surfaces.

Psychedelic in their appearance, Smalley creations are sensational inputs, abstracted through repetition, color, light, opalescence and transparency leaving the viewer the freedom to negotiate their meaning and initial point of departure.

Travess Smalley
b. 1986 Huntington
lives and works in New York

Smalley received his BFA from Cooper Union in 2010. His computed graphic style in constant relationship with the internet and its language has been exhibited internationally and nationally.

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