Sean Scully’s captivating Wall of Light series, inspired by the interplay of light on ancient Mexican walls, was the focus of a major exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This landmark exhibition showcased Scully’s mastery of light, color, and abstract form.
Capturing the Essence of Met Light: Scully’s Mexican Inspiration
Scully’s transformative experience in Mexico in the early 1980s, observing the mesmerizing patterns of light and shadow on Mayan ruins, birthed the Wall of Light series. He was deeply moved by the way sunlight animated the ancient stone, reflecting the passage of time. This “culture of walls and light,” as Scully described it, profoundly impacted his artistic vision.
Wall of Light: A Symphony of Color and Form
The Wall of Light paintings, predominantly large-scale oils, are constructed with rectangular blocks of color reminiscent of bricks. These forms, arranged in horizontal and vertical groupings, are brought to life by broad brushstrokes and luminous colors layered to create varying degrees of light and darkness. The works evoke architectural structures, from simple brick walls to the imposing presence of Stonehenge. The spaces between the color blocks often reveal underlying hues, simulating light filtering through crevices.
Beyond Mexico: Expanding the Met Light Vision
While inspired by Mexican light, the Wall of Light series transcends geographical boundaries. Scully created these works in studios across the globe – New York, Barcelona, Munich, and London. Subtle shifts in palette and tone reflect the specific time and place of each painting’s creation. This ever-evolving series comprises over 200 works, showcasing Scully’s ongoing exploration of light and form.
From London to Met Light: Scully’s Artistic Journey
Born in Dublin and raised in London, Sean Scully’s artistic journey began with figurative work before embracing abstraction. Influenced by artists like Mark Rothko and Bridget Riley, and inspired by the vibrant colors of Morocco, Scully developed a unique style characterized by stripes and blocks of color. His move to the United States in the 1970s further refined his aesthetic, leading to the layered, expressive works that define the Wall of Light.
The Met’s Embrace of Scully’s Met Light
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a long-time champion of Scully’s work, presented the Wall of Light exhibition as a testament to the artist’s significant contribution to contemporary art. The exhibition included a diverse range of works—early Mexico-inspired watercolors, large-scale oil paintings, and later works in watercolor, pastel, and aquatint.
A Legacy of Light: Scully’s Enduring Impact
The Wall of Light series stands as a powerful exploration of light’s transformative power in art. Scully’s masterful use of color, form, and texture creates works that resonate with viewers on an emotional level, inviting contemplation and a deeper appreciation for the interplay of light and shadow. His work continues to inspire and influence artists worldwide, solidifying his place as a leading figure in contemporary abstract art.
