An exhibition by Japanese artist Ibuki Minami titled ‘Gei-Kaku Ichinyo (Art Core Oneness)’ at the Gallery of Contemporary Art (GOCA) features an entirely new body of works on canvas showcasing Minami’s minimalist compositions, which blend Western and Eastern philosophies to create abstract paintings. 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 yin-yang, 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, as reflected in the title ‘Art Core (芸術の核)’. His life’s mission is “the pursuit, discovery, and complete expression of the core of art within a single work.”
The exhibition features work from three distinct series: ‘Minimalism Torus’, ‘Minimalism Dichotomy’, and ‘Algorithm’. ‘Minimalism Torus’ is a series characterised 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. ‘Algorithm’ features compositions reminiscent of electronic circuits, or spider webs, with layered paint as the final stage of a mathematical yet expressive process.