Ogden Masonic Temple, Ogden, Utah | 2024

Illusory Transparency

Ice-refracted winter sun spills through columns and the entrance to the Ogden Masonic Temple, located off of Harrison Boulevard in Ogden, Utah. The Temple was designed by Ogden Mason Richard D. Lowe and erected in 1967.When viewed in its full form, the building is imposing, with angular columns that cut in all directions. The columns blend into a soffit similar to the subject of Power of Form II, though slightly longer and sharper. Illusory Transparency takes three-dimensional space with a one-point, direct perspective, and incorporates time. From there, the passage of time is used to understand space. Take note of how a setting Western sun adds significant depth to the south façade. Through columnar shadows and light values reflected on the ceiling that brighten and fade gently in tonality to the end of the portico, visual acoustics are enhanced.

Shadows of rectangular-framed, honey-combed windows take on distorted and elusive forms like ghosts above and along the staircase. A suspended chandelier is visible, and if one looks closely, there are signs of disrepair along the window framing.

The title of Illusory Transparency refers to the visual transparency provided by glass for light to gracefully flow through, while acknowledging the opaque nature of the Masonic tradition. In my practice, I have found that some of the most aesthetically compelling buildings are often the hardest to get into.

Printed on Gatorboard with archival-quality ink at 400 DPI that is easy to clean and resists fading, Illusory Transparency is available exclusively at Gallery 25 on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah. Your signed purchase will come with a QR code identifying your copy as unique in a series of 50. A cleat-style mounting system is preinstalled on each image for immediate hanging and each purchase includes a muslin bag to protect your image in transport. Visit Gallery 25 today to add Nicholas Ioan Lazaroae's artistic vision to your home.

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