Colour and Tone Wave
Michael Kidner
Life Story
A dynamic tension is achieved between the coloured horizontal stripes and the greyscale wave in this painting. Michael Kidner was fascinated by the optical effects of abstract colour and line as a means of exploring perception and experience. Drawing attention to this, Kidner stated that “Unless you read a painting as a feeling, then you don’t get anything at all.” [1]
Inspired by his scientific research into wave theory, Kidner introduced wave patterns into his work in the mid-1960s, excited by their capacity to suggest a cyclical transferal of energy.
Lisa Newby, June 2022
[1] https://www.michaelkidner.com/. Accessed June 2022.
Further Reading
Tania Moore and Calvin Winner (eds.), Rhythm and Geometry: Constructivist art in Britain since 1951 (Norwich: Sainsbury Centre, 2021), p.49.
Provenance
In October 1984, the University of East Anglia accepted a planned bequest from Joyce and Michael Morris (UEA Alumni). Michael died in 2009 and Joyce in December 2014 when the couple's wishes were implemented.
Not on display
Title/Description: Colour and Tone Wave
Artist/Maker: Michael Kidner
Born: 1967
Object Type: Painting
Accession Number: 31535
Historic Period: 20th century
Production Place: England, Europe
Credit Line: Bequeathed by Joyce and Michael Morris, 2014
