Gradient mesh is a technique for creating complex colour transitions across a surface. Using a grid of adjustable control points, or nodes, it allows multiple colours to blend smoothly in multiple directions such that they flow and create a sense of shape, light and shadow far more organically than is possible when using more traditional linear, radial, diamond or angular gradients, where the transition is along a line or radiating from a single or central point, and with much finer blending than might be achieved using blur gradient.
Within graphics design, gradient mesh can be used in things like user interface design for apps and web pages, through to creating digital art in a rich variety of styles and genres, and with extraordinary depth. It is a technique particularly effective in producing photo-realistic digital art.
This latter use is amply and marvellously demonstrated by Bjarni Guero Danae (Ominur) at his Galeria Danae, home to his exhibition The Art of Gradient Mesh.
Set within a modern, minimalist skybox space, this is a comprehensive collection of gradient mesh art not just because each piece has been created using the technique, but because each image is shown with its corresponding mesh of control points used to give it colour and depth. Thus, we see both the art and the means by which it was given its final form.
From musical instruments to human studies, cars, bottles, flowers, headwear and more, Bjarni presents the rich tapestry of opportunities the technique presents to create the most eye-catching art. I particularly found the pieces featuring musical instruments particularly engaging, given the eye and skill for manipulation of control points to generate a piece of art might be likened to the skills involved in reading music and playing an instrument.
Some of the pieces are so reach in depth, colour, form and presence it is hard to consider them anything but photographs of real objects. Just take the four images of drinks to the left of the bar or (my personal favourite, given I use one to warm to warm the alcohol – usually kahlua -when making a liqueur coffee!) the brandy warmer, together with the image looking up at a sculpture.
As to why he creates gradient mesh art, Bjarni gives a personal reason as rich and approachable as the pieces on display:
Gradient mesh work makes the world disappear. It makes noise go quiet. It challenges my creating problem-solving, and being good at this helps me be better at everything else. Yes, it is time-consuming … But at the end, it is the satisfying feeling of accomplishment. It’s what I do to relax after designing for others all day long.
Those are perfectly understandable sentiments; because of them, we are all able to enjoy the pieces displayed at Galeria Danae not just because of the manner in which the reveal the structure of gradient mesh so vividly, but because they are all genuinely and uniquely works of artistic refinement and beauty.
Do be sure to visit!
SLurl Details
- Galeria Danae (Peaceful Land, rated Adult)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 