I love Modernism.
I can almost feel the raw, energetic excitement and optimism in the work of the Modernist Masters.
If you want to get technical let’s call it the period from Post-Expressionism up to Minimalism and everything in between. Although as a movement, the timeline is difficult to pin down, the general progression into fresh, new concepts and methods is unmistakable. Whether or not the pioneers were consciously driven by the notion of kicking against norms, or felt convicted to create something shocking, bewildering or entirely new, there is a felt sense of electricity in these creations.
Piet Zwart, Blotter - double page brochure spread, 1931
From the hopeful, almost transcendent clarity of 1920s European poster art with its sizzling blues and reds, to the witty, poetic layouts of the often cynical Dadaists and typographic artists such as F T Marinetti; from the fabulous bluster of Duchamp’s arrogant sculpture works right through to the spacious, open colour planes of the likes of Albers, Rothko and Ryman and finally landing with the characterful, playful, almost kinetic shapes of Miró in the 1960s… I am inexplicably drawn to the ‘Less is More’ intimation; Seduced by the Avant-Garde.
The minimalism of Modern compositions alongside the specificity of their palettes expresses to me a kind of wholeness. The intentional, even joyous use of materials hints at a very appealing kind of confidence that with each piece says to me “this is enough”.
There is a boldness about many of these works; a cocky little childlike swagger, even. If only an implied, or simply perceived projection, I am drawn to this offered sense of freedom, this deep-seated belief in worthiness – perhaps because it is what I am somehow craving after (and maybe, just maybe, even what we are all longing for): A confidence and very real belief in my own adequacy. It says, in essence: “I am enough” …Stripped back to the basics; without inhibitions, without pretences, and yet still prepared to be truly vulnerable.
In all of these musings, I would hasten that such Modern geniuses would undoubtedly have fought their own internal battles. Yet it is my sincere hope that as my own creative practice unfurls I will continue to learn to embrace doubt and fear and grow in confidence, joy …and electricity.
E. Khang, EK Colours Founder
Featured Image: Piet Zwart, Blotter - double page brochure spread, 1931
