Rage Against the Machinery of Rules (G. Vantongerloo 1919) 2024 Print

"Rage Against the Machinery of Rules (G. Vantongerloo, 1919), 2024" is a powerful statement on the nature of creativity and the constraints imposed by societal and artistic norms. This piece, rendered in acrylic on a fine art print, draws inspiration from Georges Vantongerloo’s modernist explorations of geometric forms, but with a twist—surrounding the architectural structure is a cascade of text that captures the artist’s defiance against the restrictive rules that often govern the art world. The inspiration behind this work stems from a conversation that made the artist realize how rules, particularly those related to the selling and marketing of art, can stifle creativity. The text within the piece is a direct reflection of this realization, expressing frustration with the need to conform to standards set by others. The artist’s words, interwoven with the geometric forms, underscore a rejection of these constraints, embracing instead a creative process that is pure and unfiltered by external expectations. The architectural forms, sharp and precise, symbolize the rigidity of rules, while the flowing text represents the artist’s refusal to be confined by them. The contrast between the solid, almost industrial structure and the dynamic, hand-painted words creates a visual tension that mirrors the internal conflict of many artists—balancing the need to create with the pressures to conform. "Rage Against the Machinery of Rules" is more than just a visual composition; it is an act of rebellion, a declaration of the artist’s commitment to authenticity in their creative process. The work challenges viewers to consider their own relationship with rules and creativity, encouraging them to embrace a path that is true to their own artistic vision, free from the constraints of external validation.