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Silence is a source of great strength.
— Laozi —

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Thoth is a Swiss-born, Austrian-based artist who primarily works with Sumi ink and mineral pigments on Japanese Washi paper. His paintings are abstract, minimal, gestural and introspective, drawing inspiration from Eastern philosophies and aesthetics, and Western art movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Post-Minimalism. You are invited to read more about his background and personal approach.

About |

| Work

Thoth prefers to work in long-term series, regularly returning to explore new facets of the underlying concepts. In this way, all of his paintings can be attributed to one of the following seven groups of work.

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currently active series:

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Breath Meditations
repetitive markmaking

An abstract black and gray ink wash painting on paper with a red seal and signature on the right side.

Contemplations
color field paintings

A collage made of partially recolored, dark brown tiles (retrieved Washi paper).

Fragmentations
reclaimed + patched works

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currently paused series:

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Watercolor painting of green butterflies and pink flowers on a light beige background with red and black Asian calligraphy.

Lyricals
elusive impressions

Abstract watercolor painting with black and gray horizontal bands on a white background with red and black Japanese characters in the top left corner.

Condensed Matters
crystalline structures

Abstract watercolor painting resembling a circular whirlpool or vortex in shades of gray and black on a beige background, with a small red seal and handwritten signature below.

Ensō + Co.
circular forms

Abstract black ink brush strokes on white background, with red seal and signature at the bottom right.

Taograms
gestural + calligraphic expressions

In addition to his paintings, Thoth regularly releases fine art giclée prints that merge his analog brushwork with a digital approach. This body of work is also organized into thematic series.

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Black ink splatters and circular brush strokes on a white background, resembling abstract art.

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West Meets East
black and white minimalism

Abstract watercolor painting with black ink blots forming a symmetrical pattern around a central circle with a light halo, on a beige background.

Études Circulaires
a circular journey

Stylized illustration of a green Chinese dragon inside a circular maze, with abstract black ink splash and green brush strokes background.

Feng Shui
taoist cosmology and symbols

A black ink brush circle on a white background with Japanese kanji and the word 'Circle' in multiple languages below.

Bestsellers
see popular prints

A wall decorated with multiple pieces of abstract art in various sizes, with a dining table and chairs in the foreground.

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Shop
see currently available paperworks, wood panels and prints

Social |

Thoth is not a recluse but values working alone, focusing intently on his art and thoughts. Through Instagram, he opens a window to this ‘ivory tower,’ allowing for exchange with others and the sharing of inspiration. His social media presence is centered around his art and process, rather than personal visibility. If you would like to join him on this journey, you are very welcome!

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@t.adan.art

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Three earlier Taogram paintings — part of a body of works exploring the power of a single, often multicolor, brushstroke:
· Mountain Chain, Track N°41 and Track N°42 — Sumi ink and Japanese watercolor on Hahnemühle Sum

Black. White. Gesture. — These are Taograms in their most reduced form — black ink on natural Washi — No color, just the trace, the energy, the space.
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#blackandwhite #gestural #art by #abstract #artist #thothadan

Back to black — About 20 years ago, I first encountered Asian ink and paper in a Chinese calligraphy course. At the time, I was still working with acrylics and focused on photorealism — but the moment I held that unfamiliar brush and touc

Universe Unfolded — one of the new prints I created for @goodmoodprints
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This calligraphic work is inspired by Japanese monk Sengai — more precisely by his famous painting Maru-Sankaku-Shikaku, which depicts nothing but a circle, a

More lines, more stories. — Here are the three remaining Linear Stories — new additions to the West Meets East series, where brush and vector meet.
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You see: Linear Story N°1, N°2 and N°5 — The full set of six is

Floating Perse | Breath Meditation N°61 and Floating Cinnabar | Breath Meditation N°60 (you already got a peek in my latest reels) are now ready for purchase from my site.
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Both pieces are created on Awagami Kitakata and mounted on woo

New print release! — Here are the first three of six new works I just added to my West Meets East print series — a new group titled Linear Stories.
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Each of these six prints plays with the blend of gestural brushwork and clean vect

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A significant portion of Thoth’s earlier work is connected to the exploration of symbols, colors, and Feng Shui. This remains true for many of his recent non-figurative and calligraphic pieces, which often incorporate signs and logograms, including Chinese characters and Japanese kanjis.

Symbols and the meaning of colors have always fascinated Thoth — both as an artist and a former communication designer. These elements are omnipresent in daily life, whether we are conscious of them or not, and they interact with us in ways we may not always recognize. Feel free to browse and discover his blog posts.

Blog |

The following selection will link you directly to the most popular blog posts.

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An illustrated Japanese-style artwork featuring a phoenix with pink and purple feathers surrounded by pink peonies and swirling cloud patterns, with a red circle and Chinese characters in a decorative frame.

Five Heavenly Beasts
the five elements and its taoist symbols

Abstract ink wash painting with black ink splatters on pink background, featuring a white circle and a red stamp in the bottom right corner.

The Circle Of Life
symbols based on circles

Two framed Asian-style artwork prints featuring elderly men in traditional clothing, each with a red seal, black circular backgrounds, and minimalist watercolor and ink design elements, standing on a light wooden floor near a white wall with sunlight shadows.

Fu, Lu, Shou – Luck To Go!
the famous gods of good fortune