Optical Relief I.

The interesting optical effect of the relief is created by a grid-like interweaving of strips of hard paper that systematically emerge from the surface into space, hypnotising the eye. The impression of waves is enhanced by a recurring motif of simple curves. The seemingly repetitive pattern is constantly disrupted by "patches", however, with opposite orientation of the curves acting as a deliberate "bug" in the program.

Hilmar's reliefs perform best when the viewer moves, but often also work well as complex static images. The contrast between black and white and the elements of chance create mixed feelings of satisfaction and unease. At first glance, the machine-precise, symmetrical, and orthogonal system forms a refined visual labyrinth due to the various mutations of shapes.

Hilmar, as with his colleagues in the Concretist Club, explored the "world of pure forms" inspired by the perfection of mathematics and geometry. They also sought this fictional and infinite "second nature" as a consequence of the real life "tragic marasmus they were wading through".

lab.SNG ● Atlas SNG, Content for the exhibition The Art That Remains: Collection – International Biennial of Young Artists Danuvius 1968.