This exhibition brings together ink and acrylic works by Ari Bayuaji. Created between 2016 and 2017, these works have never been shown before.
"My ink series started with an exploration of the history of ink in East Asian calligraphy and ink wash painting. By employing some experimental ink wash techniques, I wanted to create contemporary works of art using ink in a completely different fashion to how classic East Asian ink wash painting works.
The ink series was an opportunity for me to explore Chinese ink as a “ready-made” material. Instead of using single brush strokes on paper, my technique employs layers of single ink drops (spills) on the surface of canvas that I let dry before adding another layer of ink. The thickness of the ink creates a cracked texture when it is dried quickly in a very warm and dry room temperature. These works of art however still emphasize simplicity and spontaneity. I then have added, using acrylic paint and gold leaf, various geometrical forms to create a sense of movement on the surface of the ink. By these means, I am able create abstract paintings depicting “the underwater depth of an ocean” or “distant outer space”.
The goal of my ink abstraction painting is to capture the spirit of a peaceful place beyond our realm." - AB
Photo credit : Paul Litherland
