Robert Wymer | Topography: The Art of Pattern and Presence

42 3/4”W x 36 1/2”H x 2 1/4”D 

Robert Wymer's "Topography" is a compelling exploration of visual rhythm and layered abstraction, presented in rich oil on canvas and elegantly framed in a custom teak. The title itself suggests an intricate mapping, not just of physical terrain, but of internal landscapes and the energetic flows that define our contemporary existence.

Wymer, a third-generation artist and BFA graduate, imbues his work with a profound appreciation for traditional craftsmanship. The luminous depth of "Topography" is achieved through his meticulous ground preparation using time-honored rabbit skin glue gesso—a technique that echoes the Old Masters, a lineage deeply influential through his grandfather's study. This foundational precision allows the vibrant oil pigments to resonate with exceptional clarity and endurance.

Visually, "Topography" unfolds as a dynamic interplay of organic undulations and graphic clarity. Swirling currents of earthen hues—gold, brown, and black—create a sense of shifting ground, against which bold, undulating lines of red, green, and white establish a compelling forward motion. A central, almost electric, jagged motif anchors the composition, hinting at a powerful core within the broader visual patterns.

This painting perfectly embodies Wymer's artistic philosophy: "My work is decorative, yet aspires to weightiness—it reflects how my mind reacts to contemporary culture." Drawing inspiration from Christopher Alexander's "pattern language," Wymer masterfully organizes contrasting elements—the fluid and the sharp, the earthy and the electric—into a cohesive and intellectually engaging design. "Topography" invites the viewer to traverse its textured surfaces, discovering a work that is at once visually captivating and conceptually profound, a true reflection of the intricate patterns that shape our world. The warm, custom teak frame offers a perfect material counterpoint, completing the piece with a tactile elegance that underscores Wymer's holistic vision for art and design.

Austin Artist

2025