Supernova brings together works by fifteen contemporary British artists to examine the evolution of geometric abstraction in the 21st century. When the concept of geometric abstraction was first explored in the early 20th Century, the form was a constant source of fascination defined by its formal purity. Today’s artists’ use of contemporary language and new media techniques alongside painting has re-figured this genre for a new era.

Toby Ziegler and Dan Norton, the youngest of the artists represented in Supernova, use digital technology as a means of exploring the formal, spatial and architectural concerns which have always been central to this form of abstraction. In the early years of the machine age, geometric abstraction spoke of the absolutes of modernity, both technological and ideological. Just as Piet Mondrian’s iconic Broadway Boogie Woogie (1942) was seen as a celebration of the vibrant modernity of New York, these young British artists use digital technology to engage wider audiences in their work.

Artists from a previous generation included in the exhibition, such as Gary Hume and Keith Coventry, prefer to make ironic reference to early twentieth century abstraction. In Coventry’s case, the references he makes in his own work to such paintings serve to underline the failure of early 20th Century utopian ideals. Similarly, Jane and Louise Wilson’s Monument (Apollo Pavilion, Peterlee, 2003) features Victor Pasmore’s sculpture for the post-war new town: an unloved relic of an era of confidence in an egalitarian future. By contrast, Liam Gillick’s work suggests a continuing optimism in the positive social engagement and influence of the built environment.

Supernova is comprised of paintings and projection works, most of which are drawn from the British Council Collection, as well as from private lenders and other collections.

Supernova is a British Council International Touring Exhibition featuring the following artists:

Tomma Abts, Haluk Akakçe, Phillip Allen, Keith Coventry, Liam Gillick, Gary Hume, Dan Norton, Toby Paterson, Tony Swain, Jane and Louise Wilson, John Wood and Paul Harrison, Richard Wright, Toby Ziegler

Current/previous touring information

The exhibition has previously toured to Slovakia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, and will be shown at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea in Wales from 28 February – 26 April 2009.

There will be a series of events at Glynn Vivian Art Gallery - see below for the programme:

Friday 27 February, 7pm & 8pm Preview Performance
Dan Norton, one of the artists in Supernova will give a live 30 minute performance of his piece, Ablab.

Friday 6 March, 1pm Guided Tour/Talk
Sue Griffith, art historian and lecturer at Swansea Metropolitan University will give her response to Supernova.

Friday 13 March, 1pm Illustrated Talk
John Wood, artist, of the art collaboration Harrison and Wood will talk about their work in Supernova and also show a selection of their videos.

Friday 20 March 1pm Illustrated Talk - Random Systems
Alexander Beleschenko, internationally acclaimed architectural glass artist and designer will give an illustrated talk on his own work.

For further details of events and workshops, please visit www.glynnviviangallery.org. All events and workshops are free, all welcome.