Utopian Abstraction

Utopian Abstraction

Characterised by superficial luxury, Austria-born Clemens Ascher’s (b. 1983) photographic series is a bright depiction of utopia. With a thematic focus on staged worlds, the artist imposes perimeters on his gures and satisfyingly creates separated sections of colour. In The Garden depicts a fictional indoor garden complex that considers the concept of a designed reality. The artificial nature of the artwork is only heightened by palettes of alarming reds and plastic yellows. Asymmetry also acts as a key element in all of the compositions; bold lines are responsible for intriguing perspectives whilst reviving geometric abstraction. Simplistic 2D shapes are translated into complex visions for the future. Although Ascher’s works are controlled by definite boundaries, his oeuvre defies a particular stylistic definition, and in doing so, pioneers new possibilities for digital art. The result is a lively and imaginative contribution to the form. www.clemensascher.com.