Beyond Istanbul

Inspired by mosaic, architectural details, and exotic patterns observed on her travels, Susan Crile

exploits repetitive motifs and decorative details in her painting. Beyond Istanbul may initially appear as

an abstract pattern of form and color, but the title reveals that this image shows a section of a Turkish

rug, perhaps draped over an upright surface. Stretching and compressing planar forms into

dynamic compositions magnifies Crile’s concern for spatial complexity. Here her manner of depicting

an object for both its formal structure and abstract beauty challenges the viewer’s perception. Like

Henri Matisse, Crile uses pattern to demonstrate how color and form can suggest movement and

spatial depth.