A black and white and blue geometrical design
A pink rectangular object on a black background

Mai-Thu Perret
(Born 1976, Switzerland, lives and works in Geneva) 
'Untitled (bleu-blanc-noir, Pin wheel)',2005
'Untitled (rose-noire)', 2005
Acrylic, gouache, plywood
24.7 x 19.7 cm each
UBS Art Collection
© Mai-Thu Perret

Despite her degree in literature from Cambridge University, Mai-Thu Perret decided to become an artist in 1999. Her ongoing project, entitled The Cristal Frontier, acts as the conceptual foundation for her entire oeuvre. It describes a fictional utopian community founded by women in New Mexico who not only elaborate a radical new style, but also seek an alternative, more egalitarian society. Perret’s project comprises letters, articles, installations, ceramics, textiles and paintings, all supposedly produced by her characters.

Mai-Thu Perret‘s work regularly refers to early 20th century avant-garde movements, such as Russian Constructivism, Concrete abstraction and the Bauhaus. Untitled (rose-noire) (2005)and Untitled (bleu-blanc-noir, Pin wheel) (2005)belong to series of geometric paintings which are characterized by flat and uniformly colored shapes that interact and create the impression of depth and movement. Lacking any reference to space or context, the artist disappears behind her works, leaving them unsigned. The viewer may freely investigate and interpret the paintings. However, a discerning eye will detect the irregular lines, an indication that they were allegedly produced in the studio of Perret’s imaginary city. Perret frees herself from her own creations and invites us to consider her work as a starting point for contemplating the possibilities of a better world.

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