A new body of work, Square Root considers the future of abstraction. Using a framework of squares, monochromes, singular media, and minimalist form, the pieces simultaneously promote and defy the rules of geometric abstraction. In title, media and metaphor, the artworks grow, stretch, absorb, recede, reflect and hinge beyond formal constraints. Embracing abstraction's intial motivation – to change cultural, political and aesthetic norms, Square Root questions the status quo. Located in an Australian cultural landscape, the works connect the notions of freedom, territory and title to contemporary economics, gender politics, and race conflicts. Presented in 'Squaring Up' at Langford120, Melbourne, Gatfield's Square Root marks 100 years post Kazimir Malevich’s Black Square (1913-).