Rohm and Haas Reporter - volume XXIV #2 March-April 1966
From: New Art Forms in Plexiglas, pgs. 9 - 10

Atom Smasher Used As Palette

With the atom smasher Mrs. Simon was able to produce a controlled crazing and cracking in the acrylic plastic sheet. The sharp linear quality of these forms are then worked against flat areas of colors that Mrs. Simon adds after the Plexiglas has been bombarded with radiation. In a number of cases, several layers of treated Plexiglas are used, giving the works a strong three-dimensional effect. This effect is accented by back lighting; lighting can be controlled to change the mood of the assemblages.

While Mrs. Simon's technique may be "far out" the results have been generally acclaimed by art critics. As one reviewer commented: "The delicate patterns that emerge are strangely like mushroom clouds. Many of the works have the delicacy of oriental art. The complete control of these heretofore warlike materials, the simplicity of composition and beauty of color are mystical and compelling.”

"Atomic Art" represents a unique application of Plexiglas as an artist's material. Not many people have the opportunity to use an atom smasher as a palette.

 

Alyce Simon exposes sheets of Plexiglas to high-voltage particle Accelerators —"atom smashers"— to break down their molecular structure. In this way she obtains forms with a sharp linear quality designated by her as "The Tree of Life" pattern; These forms are then worked against flat areas of colors. Mrs. Simon
is shown with examples of her "atomic art" at a recent showing in the Allen Funt Gallery, New York City. Many of her works are creatively backlighted to provide changes of mood and color.