This project involves the examination of abstract, geometric paintings, kinetic sculptures, electronic art and installations that use opticality, perspectival space and colour relationships that destabilise compositional cohesion. Works made between 1964 and 1980, particularly those by Victor Vasarely and Bridget Riley are referenced in the determination of how geometric forms, colour transitions, interactions and juxtapositions have been used to suggest movement. This enquiry includes a review of the usage of planar space and the creation of optical effects. Artworks such as Bridget Riley's Chant 2, (1967) inform new works in which available digital technological processes are utilised. These new works consist mainly of compositions of line and coloured forms and are created in response to the outcomes of the research into the selected works. For example, static works that create movement through the use of colour and geometric form inform the creation of new w ork in media that uses motion. The artworks produced are installation-based works. The works include digital projections and static images that use painting processes as well as digital media. The objective of the project is to produce artworks that reference painting processes and extend explorations into colour usage designed to maximise optical effects and spatial disorientation. The artworks are intended to reflect elements researched whilst maximising the potential for using new media.

Master of Philosophy / This thesis investigates the work of Morris Louis (1912-1962) in relation to ‘opticality’, a theory developed by the prominent American art critic Clement Greenberg. Between the late 1930s and 1950s, Greenberg developed a comprehensive argument concerning the opticality, or the optical illusion, of abstract painting. This theory influenced common approaches towards Abstract Expressionist painting during the 1940s and 1950s, culminating in Greenberg’s writing on ‘Colourfield’ painting in major texts of the 1960s such as ‘Louis and Noland’ (1960). Through research into the development of Morris Louis’ technique, including several of his major series as well as lesser known works, this thesis argues that our understanding of Louis’ work has been constricted by a narrow perception of the opticality of his 'stain' paintings, and explores Louis' technique in light of alternative interpretations of his work.

Master of Philosophy / This thesis investigates the work of Morris Louis (1912-1962) in relation to ‘opticality’, a theory developed by the prominent American art critic Clement Greenberg. Between the late 1930s and 1950s, Greenberg developed a comprehensive argument concerning the opticality, or the optical illusion, of abstract painting. This theory influenced common approaches towards Abstract Expressionist painting during the 1940s and 1950s, culminating in Greenberg’s writing on ‘Colourfield’ painting in major texts of the 1960s such as ‘Louis and Noland’ (1960). Through research into the development of Morris Louis’ technique, including several of his major series as well as lesser known works, this thesis argues that our understanding of Louis’ work has been constricted by a narrow perception of the opticality of his 'stain' paintings, and explores Louis' technique in light of alternative interpretations of his work.