'Modern Dilemma' by C.T. Rasmuss, Continued.

'Modern Dilemma' in process by C.T. Rasmuss

I'm not so sure as to what the actual "Dilemma" was in Stella's 'Jasper's Dilemma'; but I've come to realize, that I know in my current 'work in process-Modern Dilemma', that he may have been stuck by certain rules, he perhaps wouldn't allow himself to break(as I found myself).

Just a theory, but for instance if Stella pre-set rules such as: Dark Gray = Dark hue of Red & Light Gray = Light Red, Medium Gray = Medium Red, and so on for all other colors(3 primary/3 secondary).  He then would have either started with either the Grisaille side or poly-chromatic side; with this set rule, and others alike, not to be broken.  Given that he also finished one side 1st then the other(not working both sides simultaneously), as you can see that I have done in my Lucid Mosaic seen here, I started with Grisaille and finished to full completion, I'm currently working the poly-chromatic.^ 

Point being, after finishing my Grisaille side 1st, I then of course started with the corresponding right poly-chromatic side, but after trying to match up color with the gray-scale on the left, finished side, as Stella had done; I realized the "Dilemma": Quantitative -Grisaille vs. Qualitative color values, which I learned after reading more on Frank Stella, this was the case.

But instead of fighting it and sticking to my guns, I am able to look into the past, and learn from these two masters of their craft, being, Jasper Johns and Frank Stella; I searched for a solution, and believe I have found one.

The Solution??

Stay tuned to find out, as it is just theory now and may change;) Right now it's in Faith's hands..

'Jasper's Dilemma' Meet 'Modern Dilemma'- (Rasmuss' dilemma meet Japser's dilemma).

Modern Dilemma   C.T. Rasmuss, oil (Nov. 2013).

I bought a new art book today with a 40% off coupon at Half Priced Books, a book on Frank Stella(MOMA - 1970); guess what I found on page 46?? (also happened to be my last page I chose to read for the night)

'Jasper's Dilemma' (1962-63) by Frank Stella, big whoop right?! but this happened to be a painting titled in respect to Jasper Johns, the artist that lead me to the purchase of this book; it also happens to be a very similar composition to my next mosaic I had planned.

Weeks ago, I had decided to do a geometric landscape, in respect to works I've been inspired via M.C. Escher.  Then a week ago I thought of an "inventive" way to use my geometric composition: as a side by side perspective, involving a gray-scale mosaic next to the same picture, full of color.

Modern Dilemma  C.T. Rasmuss, ink on paper (Oct. 2013).

I thought it was a genius idea, and still do, but after seeing the existence of  'Jasper's Dilemma'; I realized it wasn't totally new in it's conception, specifically in being two identical geometrical images next to each other
:(

Jasper's Dilemma   Frank Stella, Alkyd on canvas (1962-63).

Doesn't mean I'm not seeing this through, as I am! I feel that it's just the blow to my ego for good measure & the fact "the show must go on".  I also don't believe in unworthy coincidences, this perhaps is my dilemma; as I thought much of my geometric abstraction was completely new and inventive, before running into Stella haha..

One thing for certain is as far as I know, the only differing aspect of my work(in progress) is not just my mosaic method(inventive in it's own right) but that I chose my gray-scale to be on the left!..rather than the on the right!...as shown above^