Green Ray- Heather Marcus

Carla Chavez

Deep in the streets of Dallas, TX is the Geometric MADI Museum of Geometric and MADI art. Inside the walls of this museum are splashed with pieces of art that include extreme color, pattern, and texture. MADI art is known for its bright colors and bold geometric forms. Walking through the halls, one is presented with vivid shapes that almost literally jump out at you. One of these pieces is Green Ray, oil on aluminum design created by artist Heather Marcus. Marcus, a Dallas native, has exhibitions in New York, Texas, and Florida. She began creating painted metal constructions like one included in the MADI Museum exhibition RE: Constructions. She has become known for her three dimensional geometric designs that are filled with large waves, spheres, circles, and arches. Green Ray was created by curving aluminum pieces with a large roll press while the sharp folds were created with a box press. The edges of the shapes create the illusion of lines. Color would be one of this works main focal attributes. Just as described above, complimentary color is the first attention grabbing feature. High intensity pine green, lemonade yellow and Red brick protrude from this creation. I would like to think that these colors suggest liveliness and positive energy.



Shape and space are two very important elements in this particular artwork. Large three dimensional irregular shaped waves folded over one another causing this in the round art to have large volume. All the circular shapes intertwine creating a strong and beautiful figure. There is no specific emphasis of focal point. The eyes tend to wander into the different sections that have been formed due to the various folding. An Asymmetrical balance is created. Light does not play a major part in this particular artwork. All patterns that have been created are done so with the different colors of paint that overlap each other. The texture of the aluminum rolls is a smooth one.



A matte finish has been created with the paint that has been used to disguise the bland color of the aluminum. The overall architecture of the piece is one that I would consider welcoming. It’s unique and colorful presence alone draw the viewer in. Since it is three dimensional, it stands out from the traditional flat surfaced artwork. Even though it does welcome you, it still domineers over surrounding art.