Peter Halley: Conduits: Paintings from the 1980s

Peter Halley's "prisons" were a response to the physical and bureaucratic environments of the 1980s. He re-imagined abstraction as a dystopian symbol of the regulation of physical and social space, using non-traditional materials and referencing the mechanization of the human touch and technology. This catalogue traces the development of his singular pictorial vocabulary.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: Hatje Cantz

In the early 1980s, artist Peter Halley embarked on a transformative artistic journey, delving into the realm of geometric abstraction. Responding to the physical and bureaucratic surroundings of his time, he sought to reimagine the language of abstraction in a radical new light. Rather than perceive it as a utopian source of liberation, Halley saw it as a dystopian symbol of the regulation of physical and social space. In a profound statement, he expressed his desire to draw attention to the geometricized, rationalized, and quantified world that surrounded him. He viewed this world as characterized by efficiency, regimentation of movement, and the prevalence of bureaucracies, whether in corporations, governments, or universities.

Working during the era of the widespread adoption of personal computers and the emergence of the Internet, Halley developed a meticulously organized system of discrete, geometric forms. He referred to these forms as "prisons," "conduits," and "cells." He embraced unconventional materials such as Roll-A-Tex, a paint additive that offered a pre-determined texture, and Day-Glo fluorescent colors, which alluded to the pervasive mechanization of human touch and technology in the postmodern environment.

This comprehensive catalogue serves as a testament to the evolution of Peter Halley's singular pictorial vocabulary. It traces the development of his artistic style and thought during a prolific period in the 1980s, during which he produced a vast body of work that continues to resonate with audiences today. Through his meticulous attention to form, color, and texture, Halley has created a visual language that is both captivating and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the world we inhabit.

Weight: 1132g
Dimension: 246 x 293 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783775755108