States of Matter

When we talk about states of matter, the first states to come to mind are, of course, solid, liquid and gas. Unsurprising, as we learn about the changes in the properties of water due to temperature from a very young age! However, whilst there are very few states of matter in strictly scientific terms, when it comes to art, there are countless different textures. For example, powder, vapour, smoke, as well as bubbles, frost, crystals, magma… Often, the discrepancy between perception and reality, or between the various levels of interpretation of an artwork, renders the limits between states of matter rather permeable. As such, an oil painting can seem to be evaporating into thin air and a bronze sculpture can look as if it's melting and pouring down to the ground.

In our physical world, each material is likely to vary in shape, density, texture, appearance and colour, depending on environmental factors. The same way that water solidifies, becomes opaque and takes up more volume with cold temperatures, a rod piece of metal will take on a liquid form and a lustrous, glossy shine under white fire and a piece of plastic will melt under heat. The very process of transformation between two states is fascinating. Imagine the crystallisation between liquid and solid, droplets beading as solid becomes liquid, and the simmering of a liquid surface as it slowly transforms into gas… No wonder artists are inspired by it!

In Romain Langlois' sculpture, the metal, still thick, liquefies between two slabs of stone. In Seb Janiak's interpretation, liquid becomes still, as if turned solid through the effects of gravity. Looking to the work of Rhea Standke, the viewer finds themselves in the middle of a cloud of smoke, while with Michael Grine, it's as if the smoke has embedded itself into the paper.

The works of art that play with the states of matter have a very distinctive visual effect, which draws its strength from the beauty of nature. Deeper and more raw than a landscape painting, such a work establishes a direct connection between the viewer and the natural laws that govern our world. In the same way that a man feels small upon looking at a mountain or a starry sky, the viewer is drawn in by the intensity of an artwork that is inspired by a state of matter.

Powerful and original, the works in our selection will bring a unique dimension to any interior. In trompe-l'œil fashion as a statement piece on a neutral wall, or in a carefully-chosen room as a playful nod to its properties (like a liquid sculpture in a bathroom!), it will certainly be the catalyst of many fascinating conversations.