Print Gallery by M.C. Escher

This is a surreal image showing more than one perspective of the same thing using the Droste effect (an image appearing within itself in a recursive way).  It is difficult to tell where the man is – Is he inside or part of the picture or is standing outside the picture looking at it?  This image is very cleverly constructed.  I like the way it tricks the eye and how you can get lost in the picture.  The image appears to spiral in on itself which draws the eye to rotate around it while your mind tries to make sense of what you are seeing.

The View From Here by Richard Knight

I first saw this painting in a small gallery in Waterloo and thought it was beautiful and inspiring.  The painting shows the view above the London Eye, with a figure sitting on top of one of the pods looking out over the river Thames.  I like the way the artist has used lines to convey the excitement and energy of the city.  Also I think that the restrained use of colour and impressionistic detail works well.  It has an urban feel and reminds me of some street art that I have seen.

Escape into Reality by Michal Trpak

This is a painting/sculpture made from cement, acrylic paint and wood that appears to be standing and contemplating itself.  The artist is posing the question ‘What is art?’ and also ‘What is the purpose of art?’.  However I feel that this piece actually goes beyond this and also invites other philosophical questions about perception, reality and our own existence.  I was attracted to this piece because I found it thought-provoking and engaging.  It made me think of how a person may gaze at themselves in a mirror and perhaps ponder for a few seconds on their own existence, asking themselves ‘who am I?’.  I like the strong way the materials have been used and the overall effect that has been achieved.  I also feel that the ambiguous nature of the painting makes the piece more intriguing.