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It’s all about finding the calm in the chaos.
— Donna Karan –
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crystalline structures:
CONDENSED
MATTERS
The Condensed Matters series is an exploration of reduction, concentration, and crystallization, both in form and philosophy. At its core, this series emphasizes the power of minimalism, where each artwork is built from bold, often multicolored brushstrokes. These strokes, though simple in appearance, result from a deliberate and thoughtful process.
Condensed Matters extends beyond the visual; it embodies the reduction of elements to their most essential forms, akin to the principles in condensed matter physics, where the physical properties of matter are studied in their solid and liquid phases. This scientific inspiration is reflected not only in the compositions but also in the crystalline structures formed as watery solutions of pigments, ink, and Nikawa (animal glue) dry on Washi paper. The different colors and media merge into a single, smooth brushstroke, balancing fluidity and solidification to create a texture that is both tangible and ephemeral.
Philosophically, the series draws from Zen principles, contemplating what truly matters. The act of condensation here is not just physical but also mental—a focus on attention, contemplation, and meditation. These works invite quiet introspection, offering a space to meditate on the essential and the significant.
Artistically, the series connects with postminimalism¹, Japanese abstraction and avant-garde movements of the 20th century, and the minimalist art of Korea, particularly the Dansaekhwa² movement.
In Condensed Matters, Thoth approaches reduction not merely as subtraction but as a process of distillation — an endeavor to uncover the essence of what is important, both in art and in thought.
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Selected artworks from this series:
Condensed Matter N°22
Condensed Matter N°34
Condensed Matter N°29
Floating
Condensed Matter N°25 + N°26
Two Squares At Dawn
Condensed Matter N°23
Megaliths
Condensed Matter N°11
Condensed Matter N°3
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See available Condensed Matters:
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Glossary of related terms:
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Postminimalism : An art movement that emerged in the late 1960s as a reaction against the perceived austerity and impersonal nature of minimalism. Postminimalism incorporates a greater emphasis on process, materials, and the physicality of the artwork, often embracing organic forms and textures.
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Dansaekhwa (단색화) : A Korean art movement from the 1970s that focuses on monochromatic painting, emphasizing the materiality of paint and surface. The artists associated with Dansaekhwa often use repetitive actions and subtle variations in tone and texture to explore themes of spirituality, process, and the passage of time.
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