Thomas Kovachevich

In 1973 the Museum Of Contemporary Art, Chicago, presented an exhibition of paintings by Thomas Kovachevich. Fascinated by shadows and their changing appearance under varying illumination, Kovachevich applied paint of closely matched colors over the shadows cast onto the Museum’s walls. Tinted lights were added for color complexity. Only some shadows were painted creating a subtle tension between natural and altered phenomena, calling into question our perception of both. A 24 hour cycle is the time it takes for a shadow to return almost to its original starting point, which makes each day different.

In A Drawing Projected for a total of 24 Hours, Kovachevich again investigates projected light and the passage of time. On this occasion, the focus is on one drawing.

As in the Shadow exhibition, the entire gallery is altered by reflected light, shadows, and images. The relationship between our perception of reality, image and impermanence is again re-visited in the projected drawing, as hues of color wash over the wall.

Here the drawing has been done in a computer (digital) instead of painted on the wall (analog) and the drawing is then projected rather than (received?)

The exhibition lasts for 24 hours, divided into 6 days for four hours per day.

“Kovachevich is concerned that his work be seen gradually, that its generalized forms be allowed to develop increasing perceptual complexities through renewed, intimate acquaintance.”

- Stephen Prokopoff, Chicago, 1973

Thomas Kovachevich Was Born In Detroit In 1954.