Reading: Elements of Constructivism

George Rickey, in Constructivism: Origins and Evolution argues that Constructivism is a significant dimension of abstraction (Rickey, 1967) 

Rickey examines the ‘legacy of Constructivism’ by selecting and discussing 12 characteristics/aspects/developments/topics:

1.    Classic order

2.    New ideas of space

3.    Reliefs

4.    Tangents and pressures

5.    The centred image

6.    Mathematics and concrete art

7.    Chance

8.    Micro-elements

9.    Optical phenomena

10.  Movement

11.  Light

12.  Colour

Rickey alludes to other characteristics that are not discussed in detail. They include:

-      Programmed art

-      ‘primary’ structures

-      color as displeasure

-      combining sight with sound

-      combining preconception with impulse

These characteristics provide a very helpful starting list for shaping/constructing the discussion about abstract art in my literature review (Ch 2). As I read something I can add it under these headings changing/adding/deleting headings as necessary. At last a way of organising some of the things I'm reading!

The list will also be very useful in analysing artists work in the context (Ch 3) and then my work in Chapter 4. And, no doubt the  headings will reappear in the final conclusion chapter.