Rachel Henriksen, “The Reverse Is Also True,” 2023, acrylic on panel, 19 x 23 in.

The duo of works presented here explores the intricate dance between structure and disruption, creating a visual dialogue about the complexities of human experience through abstract art.

Created in 2023, “The Reverse is Also True” represents a monochromatic departure for Provo artist Rachel Henriksen. Since graduating from Brigham Young University in 2020, Henriksen has become know for her pattern- and chroma-heavy works that she creates as symbols for “the interconnectedness of people through relationships, communities, and cultures.” Here, Henriksen challenges the viewer’s gaze with a complexity that requires close attention. The absence of color highlights the precision of the artist’s line work and the depth of the forms, creating a different kind of visual hierarchy. The interplay of light and shadow, accentuated by the grayscale palette, brings forward the tactile quality of the patterns, inviting a contemplative interaction.

Rachel Henriksen, “Neither In Nor Out,” 2019, acrylic on panel on mdf, 19 x 21 in.

“Neither In Nor Out” serves as a vibrant juxtaposition to its monochromatic counterpart, both revealing Henriksen’s meticulous approach to form and meaning. It is a jubilant celebration of color and dimensionality. The canvas breaks from tradition not only in palette but in form, with shapes that carve into space and invite the viewer to consider multiple perspectives. The artwork’s surface is a tessellation of geometric patterns, contrasting in hue and rhythm, suggesting a kind of visual symphony. The layered forms, some appearing to float above others, play with our perception of depth, creating an almost sculptural experience.

One could easily be content to appreciate these works for their formal play, but with her abstracted vocabulary of hybridized forms, Henriksen aims to  “establish systems and hierarchies that I disrupt to create new ways of navigating the human experience. This process relates to the way in which my awareness evolves as I seek deepened relational intelligence and greater empathic connection.”

READ MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST AND VIEW MORE OF HER WORK

Artists of Utah’s 35×35, Finch Lane Gallery, Salt Lake City, through Feb. 23

15 Bytes

UTAH’S ART MAGAZINE SINCE 2001, 15 Bytes is published by Artists of Utah, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.