Featured Artist Ellen Alt | Artsy Shark

Artist Ellen Alt presents a fascinating collection of mixed media works that ponder the future using a retro theme. See more by visiting her website.

test pattern art by Ellen Alt

“Test Pattern 03″ mixed media on wood, 24″ x 30”,

Test patterns were an early warning system, letting you know that active broadcasting was on the way. You could turn on the TV and it would light up and wait with you for content. Like a friend. Like an indicator of a future where robots would be your assistants, helpers, writers and so much more. We don’t even know how much more.

test pattern art by Ellen Alt

“Test Pattern 01″ mixed media on canvas, 24″ x 30”

I rediscovered test patterns during the pandemic. I was looking for a feeling of being in control and drew out a series of shapes that I could fill in with color. It did help. As I was looking for more intricate compositions, I came across TV test patterns, which I recognized from my childhood. I appreciated the nostalgia they invoked and the innocence they represented.

test pattern art by Ellen Alt

“Test Pattern 04″ mixed media on wood, 24″ x 30”

From today’s perspective, even though they seem like a relic of a bygone era, they were actually the beginnings of a technology that has led us to our current artificial intelligence (AI).

test pattern art by Ellen Alt

“Testing Landscape 01″ mixed media on canvas, 24″ x 30”

In the 1950’s, TV test patterns showed that the transmitter was active while no program was broadcast. They are still used today to check for color, white balance and contrast. From the static image of color calibration and TV programming that went off the air, we have moved to 24-hour access of endless content through a myriad of devices. And are now moving into newly uncharted territory.

test pattern art by Ellen Alt

“Test Pattern 05″ mixed media on wood, 24″ x 30”

When I began this series about TV test patterns, they were the quiet in the storm of the pandemic. Since then, Chat GPT has entered the landscape and added its own sense of the unknown. This makes me even more appreciative of the grounded, regimented structure and symmetrical design of my new friends, test patterns.

test pattern art by Ellen Alt

“No Signal 01″ ink and paint on Yupo, 11″ x 14”

Expanding the structure of these patterns has led me in several directions, developing three approaches: test patterns, testing landscapes and no signal.

test pattern art by Ellen Alt

“Test Pattern 02″ mixed media on wood, 24″ x 24”

The test pattern series stays true to the symmetrical design of the original compositions, interpreted through mixed media. Materials used are sand, glitter, paint and collage on wood panels.

test pattern art by Ellen Alt

“Testing Landscape 04″ mixed media on canvas, 24″ x 30”

The testing landscape work references satellite photographs of the earth combined with test pattern structures. This juxtaposition calls out our changing planet and how much of our current news is about extreme weather. Materials used are acrylic on canvas with objects and collage.

test pattern art by Ellen Alt

“No Signal 02″ ink and paint on Yupo, 19″ x 25”

No signal is about the disruption of the symmetry, communication breakdown and our dependence on electricity. Materials used are ink and paint on plastic paper.

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