"Lightform" at HackelBury Fine Art. Review in Museé Magazine.

Museé Magazine:
https://museemagazine.com/culture/2024/10/9/bill-armstrong-light-form-hackelbury-fine-art-london

Oct 10 Bill Armstrong: Light Form
HackelBury Fine Art, London

© Bill Armstrong

MANDALA #450, 2003

(courtesy of HackelBury Fine Art, London)

Written by AnnaRose Goldwitz

Gallery Website: https://hackelbury.co.uk


Bill Armstrong’s latest exhibition, Light Form, on view at HackelBury Fine Art in London, immerses viewers into a world of vibrant abstraction, where the boundaries of photography blur into painterly gestures. Known for his "Infinity" series, Armstrong continues to explore the ephemeral nature of perception, this time with a focus on the interplay of light, color, and form.

Upon entering the gallery, the viewer is immediately struck by the ethereal quality of Armstrong’s work. Using an out-of-focus technique, he creates compositions that seem to vibrate with energy, their boundaries soft and undefined, inviting contemplation. The works feel both fluid and static, as if capturing moments just beyond the grasp of memory or recognition. Each photograph seems to invite prolonged attention, revealing new layers of complexity as one’s eyes adjust to the nuances in tone and hue.

© Bill Armstrong

MANDALA #4050, 2024

(courtesy of HackelBury Fine Art, London)

© Bill Armstrong

BLUE SPHERE #433, 2002

(courtesy of HackelBury Fine Art, London)

At the heart of Light Form is Armstrong’s mastery of color. His use of rich, saturated shades—deep blues, vibrant oranges, and striking reds—creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The colors bleed into one another in a way that feels organic, yet controlled. The viewer is left with a sense of weightlessness, as if suspended within the works themselves.

One of the most compelling aspects of Armstrong's photography is his ability to challenge the medium's conventions. In Light Form, he pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a photograph. By intentionally leaving his subjects blurred and out of focus, Armstrong strips away the sharpness and detail often associated with photographic representation, instead focusing on the abstract and emotional resonance of color and light. In doing so, he bridges the gap between photography and painting, creating a dialogue between the two disciplines.

© Bill Armstrong

DARSHAN #1906, 2023

(courtesy of HackelBury Fine Art, London)

© Bill Armstrong

DARSHAN #1910, 2023

(courtesy of HackelBury Fine Art, London)

The works in Light Form also carry a contemplative quality, evoking themes of impermanence and the passage of time. The soft edges and ghostly forms remind us of the fleeting nature of vision and memory, where clarity often eludes us. Armstrong’s refusal to provide crisp, clear imagery forces us to confront the idea that our perception of reality is always in flux.

In a world saturated with high-definition imagery, Armstrong’s Light Form is a refreshing reminder of photography’s ability to transcend literal representation. It encourages the viewer to look beyond the surface and engage with the emotional and atmospheric qualities of the work. The exhibition challenges us to consider how we see and experience the world, suggesting that perhaps there is more to reality than what meets the eye.

© Bill Armstrong

BLUE SQUARE #4020, 2024

(courtesy of HackelBury Fine Art, London)

© Bill Armstrong

MANDALA #4051, 2009

(courtesy of HackelBury Fine Art, London)

In conclusion, Light Form is a mesmerizing exhibition that showcases Bill Armstrong’s continued evolution as an artist. His work deftly navigates the line between photography and abstraction, inviting viewers to explore the nuances of light, color, and perception. The exhibition at HackelBury Fine Art is a must-see for those interested in the transformative potential of photography as an artistic medium.

Read an interview with the artist done by HackelBury Fine Art
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16BMZ3tmyT6loMyLwW8ixzHte64lt_G97/view?usp=sharing