Meaning: The quote "I have invented the Thermometer style" is attributed to the artist Josef Albers, who was a prominent figure in 20th-century art and a key figure in the development of modernist aesthetics. Albers was a German-born American artist and educator known for his work in painting, color theory, and design. The quote refers to his innovative approach to art, particularly his exploration of color and form through his "Homage to the Square" series.

Josef Albers' "Thermometer style" is a term he used to describe his method of arranging color within a geometric structure. In his "Homage to the Square" series, Albers explored the interactions of colors within concentric squares. The "Thermometer style" refers to the way in which Albers arranged the colors in a manner reminiscent of the markings on a thermometer, with each color band moving in a gradual progression from warm to cool tones or vice versa. This approach allowed Albers to investigate the optical effects of color relationships and the perceptual interactions between different hues.

Albers' "Homage to the Square" series, which he worked on from 1950 until his death in 1976, consisted of hundreds of paintings that focused on the interaction of color, form, and perception. Each painting in the series featured several squares nested within one another, with the color combinations and arrangements carefully calculated to produce a variety of visual effects. Through this series, Albers sought to demonstrate the infinite possibilities of color interactions and the ways in which colors can create optical illusions and spatial ambiguities.

The "Thermometer style" exemplifies Albers' commitment to exploring the fundamental principles of color and form. His work was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Bauhaus, where he studied and later taught, as well as by his interest in the visual and psychological effects of color. Albers' approach to color theory and his development of the "Thermometer style" had a profound impact on subsequent generations of artists and designers, influencing movements such as Op art and Color field painting.

In addition to his artistic practice, Albers was also a dedicated educator, and his teachings at institutions such as the Bauhaus, Black Mountain College, and Yale University had a lasting impact on the fields of art and design. His influential book "Interaction of Color," first published in 1963, further expounded his theories on color perception and became a seminal text in the study of color theory.

The "Thermometer style" and Albers' broader body of work continue to be studied and celebrated for their contributions to the understanding of color, perception, and the expressive potential of geometric abstraction. His emphasis on rigorous experimentation and systematic exploration of visual phenomena has left a lasting legacy in the fields of art, design, and art education.

In conclusion, Josef Albers' quote "I have invented the Thermometer style" encapsulates his innovative approach to color and form in art. Through his "Homage to the Square" series and his broader exploration of color theory, Albers made significant contributions to the understanding of color interactions and the perceptual effects of geometric abstraction. His work continues to inspire and influence artists, designers, and scholars, cementing his legacy as a pioneering figure in modernist aesthetics and color theory.