Ralph Joachim Artist
Large Geometric Abstractions
I paint large combinations of geometric abstractions in acrylics on canvas which have integrated designs that wrap around the edges. The combinations are from 2 to 8 units and are approximately 6 to 11 feet in diameter.
Ralph Joachim with 4 combinations. From left to right: "Convergence", "Clair de Lune", "Seasonal Variations", and "Flight in Space". Marilyn Kuksht metal sculpture on right. R. Blitzer Gallery, Santa Cruz 2014.
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Ralph Joachim with diamond combination: "Cathedral". SOMAarts Cultural Center, San Francisco 2010.
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The shapes of the combinations vary and include diamonds, columns (narrow verticals), rectangles, horizontals and squares.
My abstract work has occurred in phases.
In the last half of 2022 and 2023- after creating large combinations, and then series, for almost two decades- my art developed in two directions. First, I returned to doing individual Neo-Plastic works which included a variety of configurations: diamonds, rectangles, ovals, and tondos. While my pieces were painted on canvas, the tondos were an exception, being painted on a gessoed wood surface.
The other major change occurred in 2023 when I began to explore extending my 2-D work into 3-D by doing a variety of large wood sculptures with Geometric designs, four of which I exhibited with my 2-D work in the joint exhibition with my colleagues Marilyn Kuksht (metal sculptor) and Tazio Childress (Abstract Expressionist painter) in the main (Gill) gallery of the Pacific Grove Art Center in 2024.
Also, in that year, I experimented with a lighter durable material, namely, hollow PVC plastic cylinders, and created seven large "tree sculpture" columns with Geometric designs painter in acrylic for my 2025 solo exhibition in the same main (Gill) gallery of the Pacific Grove Art Center. These sculptures are integral to the paintings and/or painting combinations because of 3 factors: (1) location in the gallery, (2) design, and (3) color relationships.
My abstract work has occurred in phases.
In the last half of 2022 and 2023- after creating large combinations, and then series, for almost two decades- my art developed in two directions. First, I returned to doing individual Neo-Plastic works which included a variety of configurations: diamonds, rectangles, ovals, and tondos. While my pieces were painted on canvas, the tondos were an exception, being painted on a gessoed wood surface.
The other major change occurred in 2023 when I began to explore extending my 2-D work into 3-D by doing a variety of large wood sculptures with Geometric designs, four of which I exhibited with my 2-D work in the joint exhibition with my colleagues Marilyn Kuksht (metal sculptor) and Tazio Childress (Abstract Expressionist painter) in the main (Gill) gallery of the Pacific Grove Art Center in 2024.
Also, in that year, I experimented with a lighter durable material, namely, hollow PVC plastic cylinders, and created seven large "tree sculpture" columns with Geometric designs painter in acrylic for my 2025 solo exhibition in the same main (Gill) gallery of the Pacific Grove Art Center. These sculptures are integral to the paintings and/or painting combinations because of 3 factors: (1) location in the gallery, (2) design, and (3) color relationships.
