Genève Blanc - Edna Andrade

A precise geometric screenprint by Edna Andrade, featuring a rhythmic grid of radiating lines that create a sense of kinetic movement.

Genève Blanc is a representative example of the rigorous geometric abstraction developed by Edna Andrade during the 1970s. As a practitioner of Op Art, Andrade focused on the mathematical arrangement of lines to manipulate the viewer's perception of space and movement. This work consists of a grid of squares, each containing a series of radiating lines that originate from a single corner. These lines fan out across the square, creating a rhythmic, wave-like pattern that shifts across the surface of the print. The composition relies on the precision of the line work to generate a sense of kinetic energy. By alternating the orientation of these fan-like motifs, Andrade constructs a complex visual field that appears to ripple or vibrate. The monochromatic palette of grey lines against a white ground emphasises the structural clarity of the design. This approach removes any reference to external subject matter, allowing the viewer to engage directly with the optical properties of the geometry itself. Andrade studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and later taught at the Philadelphia College of Art. Her work is often associated with the broader movement of hard-edge painting, yet it maintains a distinct focus on the relationship between mathematical order and human perception. Genève Blanc demonstrates her ability to transform a simple, repetitive unit into a sophisticated visual system. The print functions as a study in balance and symmetry, where the strict adherence to a grid provides a stable framework for the fluid, dynamic movement of the lines. It is a precise exploration of how minimal visual elements can produce a complex, shifting experience for the observer.