50th Post: 5 minimal works

I’m glad to say I’ve reached my 50th WordPress post. Here are 5 minimal, as yet untitled works from last year. I like the idea that humble materials like graph paper and cardboard used for packaging can be beautiful. Compositional balance is again a major concern. The soft, muted colours balance well when there is less happening.

I was looking at a lot of Robert Ryman works when I made these.

16 replies to “50th Post: 5 minimal works

    1. Thanks very much. I suppose using ordinary materials is broadly in line with the principles of the Arte Povera movement. I also really like a lot of the “informal” work of Antoni Tàpies.

  1. There is beauty in humble things. Maybe it’s the simplicity of form; maybe it’s like “comfort food?”

    Your third piece from the top is wonderful.

  2. Thanks for the compliment Luddy’s Lens.

    It’s difficult to put my finger on why humble things are beautiful. Comfort food is instantly gratifying, but I think a viewer needs to hone his or her senses or “develop their palate” and appreciate the often overlooked inherant beauty all around us; such as in rusted pieces of metal or flaking paint on a wall.

  3. Good work. I like the minimal use of images likr the horse
    showing considered restraint.

  4. I really enjoy the stripped back nature of these works, John. Nothing is overstated. Congratulations.

    1. Thanks 3rdtrial, yes it’s always better to see work ‘in the flesh,’ to explore it from every angle. I try to always write about any exhibitions I’m involved in here, hopefully I will have one close to your neck of the woods someday..

      1. So far I’ve mostly shown in North and South Ireland, I was in a group show in the Netherands a few years ago. I’m trying to be more pro-active at getting shows and aiming to show further afield too.. Where are you based?

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