Sequence of Materials and Transformations

Gabriella Leong
Aug 28, 2017 · 2 min read

Josef Albers was a German architect that focused his work on teaching students about the elements of design. He encouraged his students to always experiment and create new things using a sequence of materials and model transformations. Mainly through the use of paper, Albers creates ideas for various forms through different iterations. For this particular project I specifically looked at his book called The Homage to a Square where Albers uses colour and the square to understand the idea that proportions and placement can affect the way we perceive colour. Using various contrasting shades, he created works of art that could alter ones feelings (Figure1).

Figure 1: Original work by Josef Albers.

Through my iterations, I followed his idea of experimentation with paper, cuttings, and shapes (Figure 2). As I did so, I also took into account his emphasis on the overlapping colours and the new shades that resulted from that process. I personally chose the colours of red, yellow and orange to signify heat and portray a warm feeling (Figure 3). The overall layout stays true to Albers’ Homage to a Square. However I have decided to include the outlines of circular shapes instead of the smaller squares within the art piece in order to reference the basic geometric shape that is common in the natural world.

Figure 2: Some iterations. Created by Leong. G. 2017
Figure 3: Final model representing colour and shape. Done by Leong. G. 2017

Reference List
Albers, J. 1965. The Homage to a Square, United States of America.

Accessed 20th August: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Albers#Homage_to_the_Square

Accessed 21st August: http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/josef-albers-homage-to-the-square/

)
Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade