Benigna Chilla has had a long and impressive career. After studying with Bauhaus professors in Germany she immigrated to the USA in 1969. Her perceptions regarding planar geometry are highlighted in this current exhibition at Sapar Contemporary gallery in Tribeca. From early on her work has expressed her exploration of the connections between Mathematics and Art.
The 3-D constructions in this exhibition were built from prints that involve a minimalist sensibility. By cutting and folding the paper Chilla has created new visual geometries.

“Ascending” from 1972 features a system of accordion folded triangles. When positioned directly in the front the work, the viewer sees bold printing creates 3 diagonal stripes. 

But that is only hint of the complexity of the structure. A side view of the construction offers another perspective.

The prints incorporated in the construction “Untitled (Column)” from 1976 are long paper strips with delicate vertical parallel lines.

Looking from another direction. These lines go over and around the angles of Chilla’s angular folding pattern. 

What I find so fascinating about the work in this show is how the look of each piece changes when viewed from from different angles in the gallery. Chilla is able to present numerous mathematical ideas in each construction.

Susan Happersett