Five Paintings IV One of the most extraordinary examples of McCracken's illusory surfaces occurs with Five Paintings IV, 1974. This wall-mounted work has a black polyester resin finish. From some angles the surface is opaque, from others highly reflective, and from still others it seems to reveal great depth. A happy accident in the creation of the work sealed many tiny air bubbles or particulates in the piece. When these catch the light, they suggest a galaxy of stars on a moonless night. John McCracken, Phenomenal: Exhibited Works imperfections
New ideas must use old buildings Old ideas can sometimes use new buildings. New ideas must use old buildings. Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities The economic value of old buildings timeideasarchitecturenovelty