Shape shifter: decoding Barbara Kasten’s perplexing Plexiglas creations

The classical confines of London’s Thomas Dane Gallery have been reinvigorated with a vibrant new survey of Barbara Kasten’s abstract works. On view through 25 May, ‘Intervals’ comprises a tightly edited overview of the Chicago-based artist's oeuvre, which spans four decades and counting. Contrary to her stature, this is, in fact, her very first UK solo show and is testament to both her drive and inquisitive nature.
Kasten often refers to her work as ‘painting in motion’, which feels apt. Her practice involves assembling large geometric constructions using props crafted from light sensitive fabrics such as glass, mirrors and metal, and then photographing them in her studio. The conclusion is dynamic, theatrical and often perplexing. Light bounces from form to form, creating an intriguing spatial interplay between line, shape, colour and shadow.
'Construct VI D', by Barbara Kasten, 1981
Most recently, Kasten has poured her energy into transforming her photo-art stills into moving images. In Revolutions (2017), she reveals a playful mixed media projection in which light is filmed moving through a large-scale set of her signature components at three-minute intervals. ‘It took many sessions to get it right,’ she said. ‘In the end, my assistant and I developed a coordinated technique for filming that became a sort of dance routine.’ The work, which was inspired by the suprematist drawings of Kazimir Malevich, was beamed into the entrance of the space, throwing bright geometric shapes across the walls and ceiling. ‘It looks a little faded by day, but at night it’s really something,’ she added.
In the adjacent room, a small selection of early prints from her iconic series Construct proves just as compelling. Conceived during the late 1970s and early 80s, the series drew upon her enduring affinity for constructivism – consisting of staged theatrical tableaus that were captured using a large view camera. Elsewhere, her use of neon Plexiglas in the more recent photo progressions Collisions (2016) and Transpositions (2014 - 2016) is sure to intrigue viewers, who can attempt to decipher which forms are physically present and which are simply Kasten’s clever illusions.
Construct X B, 1981
Construct Iii D, 1980
Left, Scene III, 2012. Right, Transposition 24, 2016
INFORMATION
’Intervals’ is on view until 25 March. For more information, visit the Thomas Dane Gallery website
ADDRESS
3 & 11 Duke Street
London SW1Y 6BN
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
ICON 4x4 goes EV, giving their classic Bronco-based restomod an electric twist
The EV Bronco is ICON 4x4’s first foray into electrifying its range of bespoke vintage off-roaders and SUVs
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
‘Dressed to Impress’ captures the vivid world of everyday fashion in the 1950s and 1960s
A new photography book from The Anonymous Project showcases its subjects when they’re dressed for best, posing for events and celebrations unknown
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Inside Camperlab’s Harry Nuriev-designed Paris store, a dramatic exercise in contrast
The Crosby Studios founder tells Wallpaper* the story behind his new store design for Mallorcan shoe brand Camperlab, which centres on an interplay between ‘crushed concrete’ and gleaming industrial design
By Jack Moss Published
-
Ed Atkins confronts death at Tate Britain
In his new London exhibition, the artist prods at the limits of existence through digital and physical works, including a film starring Toby Jones
By Emily Steer Published
-
Tom Wesselmann’s 'Up Close' and the anatomy of desire
In a new exhibition currently on show at Almine Rech in London, Tom Wesselmann challenges the limits of figurative painting
By Sam Moore Published
-
A major Frida Kahlo exhibition is coming to the Tate Modern next year
Tate’s 2026 programme includes 'Frida: The Making of an Icon', which will trace the professional and personal life of countercultural figurehead Frida Kahlo
By Anna Solomon Published
-
A portrait of the artist: Sotheby’s puts Grayson Perry in the spotlight
For more than a decade, photographer Richard Ansett has made Grayson Perry his muse. Now Sotheby’s is staging a selling exhibition of their work
By Hannah Silver Published
-
From counter-culture to Northern Soul, these photos chart an intimate history of working-class Britain
‘After the End of History: British Working Class Photography 1989 – 2024’ is at Edinburgh gallery Stills
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Celia Paul's colony of ghostly apparitions haunts Victoria Miro
Eerie and elegiac new London exhibition ‘Celia Paul: Colony of Ghosts’ is on show at Victoria Miro until 17 April
By Hannah Hutchings-Georgiou Published
-
Teresa Pągowska's dreamy interpretations of the female form are in London for the first time
‘Shadow Self’ in Thaddaeus Ropac’s 18th-century townhouse gallery in London, presents the first UK solo exhibition of Pągowska’s work
By Sofia Hallström Published
-
Sylvie Fleury's work in dialogue with Matisse makes for a provocative exploration of the female form
'Drawing on Matisse, An Exhibition by Sylvie Fleury’ is on show until 2 May at Luxembourg + Co
By Hannah Silver Published