Rhys Farrell & Shane Arsenault
Calgary, Canada
Rhys and Shane’s approach to work involves using hard edge geometric abstraction with a combination of colourful bold shapes and patterns. Their work is inspired by optical art, pattern painting, colour field painting, large scale abstract murals and colour theory. As a duo, their work is motivated by the desire to create a unique feeling, message and idea. They aim for their work to be fun and inviting, while stimulating curiosity and positivity.
Mural Statement
We want to paint a mural to brighten up downtown Calgary, educate people on contemporary urban art and create large scale art with motivational ideas that cannot be completed in a studio setting. Public art bridges the gap between commercial and personal work and allows people to experience, interpret and discuss art in a public environment without the pressures of an institution. Our approach is using hard edge geometric abstraction by using a combination of colourful geometric shapes and patterns. Inspired by optical art, pattern painting, colour field painting, large scale abstract murals and colour theory, we have chosen to team up on this project after working on various other public art projects, large scale murals and collaborations. Our work is motivated by the creation of a unique feeling, message and idea. The art we intend to create is meant to be fun and inviting, while also creating curiosity and positivity in a public sphere. This will inspire people to generate new ideas, form thoughts and share amongst one another.