Ibuki Minami's exhibition titled Gei-Kaku Ichinyo (Art Core Oneness), features an entirely new body of works on canvas showcasing Minami's minimalist compositions, which blend Western and Eastern philosophies to create abstract paintings. Through this, Minami explores the origins of artistic thought and expression, crafting pieces that encourage viewers to contemplate the essence of creativity in the digital age.
With Japanese and Korean heritage and an upbringing in the United States, Minami’s works vividly reflect the influence of these three cultures. Rooted in Eastern philosophies such as Zen and the I Ching, as well as Western transcendentalism, Minami continues to reflect on the self and existence in the global context. Through his artistic practice, his works invite viewers to contemplate the fundamental nature of art, reflected in the title "Art Core (藝核)" - Minami’s life’s mission for "the pursuit, discovery, and complete expression of the core of art within a single work."
The exhibition features works from three distinct series: Minimalism Torus, Minimalism Dichotomy, and Algorithm.
- Minimalism Torus is a series characterized by the frequent use of torus-shaped circles. The visual expression resembles ensō, a form of Zen calligraphy often used to symbolically represent enlightenment, truth, Buddha-nature, and the universe as a whole.
- Minimalism Dichotomy is distinguished by a pictorial space divided into multiple sections based on the principle of dichotomy, yin and yang, motion and stillness. Some works challenge the binaries of this convention by incorporating divisions into three or five sections.
- Algorithm feature compositions reminiscent of electronic circuits, or spider webs, with layered paint as the final stage of a mathematical yet expressive process. The color schemes and textures in these works are determined by Minami’s unique artistic sensibility, inspired in part by his understanding of algorithms and computer programming. The series includes both vibrantly colorful and monochromatic pieces.
