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John Noestheden
Opus Fifteen

October 15, 1983 - March 31, 1984

Artist Statemtent

Opus Fifteen demonstrates my continuing concern with signs, symbols and perception as well as with a personal need to create objects. To achieve a sense of mystery, I purposely make non-representational objects usually painted black. At times the symbols may feel remotely referential or disconcerting, thus adding more tension to their clean, graphic presence. The height of the poles gives the work a sombre, spiritual attitude, reminiscent of medieval standards, which is juxtaposed against the humour of the isolated figures painted in primary colours.

Though the piece is a personal narrative, the symbols are universal and transcend cultural differences. Each viewer is able to decipher the meaning according to his own experience. Visually, the work functions as a dance and/or music as the eye jumps, slides and otherwise meanders over, around and through the symbols. From the very beginning, I saw the setting as a fantasy stage for mysterious dancers.

John Noestheden, Opus Fifteen, 1983; aluminum, paint. 15 units, each approximately 12' H x 2' L x 2" W.