Triptych art is made up of three separate panels that are intended to be displayed together. Triptych is from the Greek adjective meaning “three-fold”.
The first triptychs were from early Christian art, and were a popular format for altar paintings from the Middle Ages onwards. It was usually hinged so that the two wing panels folded over the larger central one. Today, triptych art is usually panel paintings, digital art or photography divided into three sections. Hinges to connect the paintings are typically not used in modern triptych art.
There are no steadfast rules to a triptych display when the triptych art form is applied to photography or fine art. One popular method consists of three mounted artworks in frames, with the three images being closely associated in subject matter. Alternatively, the triptych pieces can be a collection of three panels featuring a singular image or use abstract colors to draw your eye towards a certain point.
One reason why triptych art is a successful, growing and popular vehicle as an art form is because it has a greater aesthetic appeal for most people. As the viewer looks from one panel to the next, they find themselves challenged on how the art speaks specifically to them. Finding the meaning and movement of a piece of triptych art is a personal experience that can bring great rewards.
The Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center on East Rundberg Lane recently held a Totally Cool – Totally Art class that featured triptych art. The students created water colors, cut them, and then reorganized the shapes according to chroma and shade. The incredible creativity and beauty of the art created by the children inspired the recreation center to hang the art in a location where the whole community can enjoy it. Stop by Gus Garcia Recreation Center and see the beautiful art (pictured below) hanging over the gym entrance on the main wall when you first walk in the building.
The Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center offers Youth, Teen, Adult and Senior Programs. Programs offered include: Summer Camp, Indoor Soccer, Bicycle Club, Summer Teen Scene, Senior-Citizen programs and Totally Cool, Totally Art and Teen Club.
With approximately 20,000 square feet, the recreation center consists of a gymnasium with six basketball goals and a climbing rock wall. The facility also has a fitness center, a computer room, a tiny tot room and an aerobic/dance room. For information on programs and hours, please contact them at 512-339-0016 or visit their webpage.
Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center
1201 E. Rundberg Lane
Austin, TX 78753
You may also be interested in New Playgrounds at Gus Garcia Rec Center and Free Fun for Teens: Totally Cool, Totally Art.
Shelley Parks has been in the PR field for more than 16 years and has experience in the non-profit, corporate and government relations arenas. She currently works for the City of Austin’s Parks & Recreation Department where her goal is to get Austinites passionate about the beautiful Parks, Cultural Centers and Recreation Centers that are found throughout our great city. Recently married and now a mother to three incredible teenagers, Shelley finds relaxation through her passion in helping others, reading, writing, shopping and spending quality time with friends and family.
