Penumbra 03

Penumbra 03, 2025

Archaic fine plasters (crushed marble, lime, quartz, obsidian) on solid birch cradle

48 x 60 x 1.75 in / 122 x 152 x 5 cm

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Penumbra 03 is a sculptural plaster relief developed from archaic mineral plasters, examining how light and shadow recalibrate the perception of form through depth, reflectivity, and subtle shifts in surface.

About the Series

Penumbra: a partial region of shadow between absolute darkness and complete illumination. As the sun moves in the sky throughout the day, the shadows it casts on buildings, rocks, and landscapes completely change the forms and how we interpret them.

Working in varying shades of black or white, building out sculptural elements that create dimension and shadow, and working with varying levels of reflectivity - this series allows the relationship between light and absolute darkness to be explored. Gloss is contrasted with matte, textures against smoothness, and organic with geometric to create subtle textural shifts and unique experiences that are completely dependent upon lighting and vantage point. 

Peter Varga is a contemporary artist working primarily in plaster. His sculptural reliefs and architectural works explore how mineral materials operate between sculpture and surface. Varga approaches plaster as a finished sculptural material rather than a supporting medium.

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Penumbra 02

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Penumbra 04