Ever wonder how art can connect the vastness of the cosmos with the tiniest particles within us? Field Kallop's work does just that, drawing you into a world where the micro and macro dance in vibrant, chromatic harmony. It all began during her art history studies at Princeton, where a simple assignment sparked a lifelong exploration. She was asked to contemplate the relationship between the smallest atom and the largest galaxy, and this inspired her artistic journey.
Kallop's art delves into astronomy, physics, mathematics, philosophy, and religious iconography, but it's not about religion itself. It's about the beauty and order she sees everywhere, the things that connect us all.
But here's where it gets interesting: Kallop's art is deeply contemplative. She creates bold, colorful works that resemble mystical color charts, similar to the approaches of abstract pioneers like Hilma af Klint and Agnes Martin. Smooth gradients flow across the canvas, radiating from one edge to another through perfectly defined rays, circles, and lines. Each piece starts with a precise grid, and then she layers washes of pigment within these geometric forms.
Her latest collection, Bodies of Light, is on display this week at GAVLAK gallery. The exhibition includes her largest pieces to date, including watercolor studies and paintings. One impressive triptych stretches an incredible 18 feet! The gallery itself becomes a radiant space, filled with a bold palette that plays with light. Some pieces even feature gold and silver leaf, evoking the sun and moon.
Kallop's process is meticulous. Each piece begins as a small rendering, then becomes a larger watercolor study, typically two to three feet in size. If a piece resonates, she recreates it in acrylic on canvas. She even waters down her acrylics to achieve a watercolor-like effect. She says, "I have a pretty good idea of what the painting will end up looking like based on the watercolor. And that’s when I really get into the flow.”
And this is the part most people miss: Kallop works horizontally, allowing her to physically interact with her art. For smaller pieces, she drapes her body over the composition. Larger works, like the six-foot Inside the Sun trio, require her to stretch and move around the canvas.
Though a perfectionist, Kallop avoids using tape or guides. She wants the imperfections, the slight 'wobbles' and 'accidents' that give her art a unique, human touch.
Bodies of Light reflects this methodical process and the symbolism of illumination. Some pieces capture earthly light, like sunlight through trees or windows. Others explore cosmic and celestial light, connecting distant realms.
Kallop is fascinated by universal order and the beauty within it. She asks, "I’m interested in thinking about our role in this crazy, huge, weird, wild world and what it all means. I think there’s so much more uniting us than we realize.”
Bodies of Light will be on display from December 18 to January 24 in West Palm Beach.
What do you think? Does Kallop's art resonate with you? Do you see the connections she explores between the micro and macro? Share your thoughts in the comments!
