The Art of Essence: Color, Contrast, and Simplicity
Patricio Paez
Visual Strategist | Storytelling | Aesthetics | Visual Culture | Turning Complex Ideas into Clear, Compelling Narratives
Andrew Faris: Bold Hues and Abstract Narratives
I've been a fan of Andrew Faris's artwork ever since I stumbled upon it online a few years ago. Recently, I had the chance to catch up with him during a Zoom call—me in my New York office and him in his studio in Jackson Hole, WY.
Andrew's journey into art is rooted in his design background, which has significantly shaped his approach from the start. In our conversation, he shared how he's moved away from the way he began creating art—meticulously planning his compositions—to embracing a more spontaneous interplay of colors on the canvas. It's less about starting with a concrete idea and more about letting the paint flow and evolve naturally.
Andrew creates each piece in a manner that invites viewers to project their own emotions and narratives, making every encounter with his work a unique and personal experience. This interactive quality deepens the connection between the artwork and its beholder.
His work features a bold use of color and abstract forms. Each piece is marked by large, clear blocks of color, with intense hues bleeding into each other yet maintaining a distinct separation through blurred edges. The color palette, though varied, consists of deeply saturated tones that command attention.
Moreover, his paintings are characterized by a sense of movement that shows his spontaneous and expressive intervention.
When you stand in front of his work, you start to notice how the colors work together, playing off each other to either collide dramatically or blend smoothly. That’s the thing about abstract art when it’s well done: it invites you to keep rethinking and connecting with what you see.
Our discussion also ventured into his personal life changes, like his decision to shift gears toward less work and more family time—a theme that strikes a chord with many, myself included. I keep revisiting our conversation, reflecting on how Andrew has sculpted a life that balances personal fulfillment with professional passion.
In the end, Andrew Faris's journey is a testament to the power of embracing change and finding joy in the creative process. His evolving approach to art, combined with his ability to connect deeply with his audience, makes him an artist to watch.
If you have any questions about Andrew's work, drop me a note.
The Power of Contrast: A Deep Dive into Peter Demos’s Work
Now, let’s turn our attention to the work of artist Peter Demos—a great example of contemporary abstraction. I first discovered his work a few years ago through my then-business partner, Michael Souter. Michael has a thing for pure abstraction, so it wasn’t a shock that he loved Peter’s work.
Originally from Colorado, Peter now lives and works in Williamsburg. He creates large-scale pieces using traditional painting materials and digital imaging techniques. His palette is often limited. His use of black and white as his main shades is masterful. While these shades dominates his pieces, at times, he balances it with other colors.
I would describe Peter’s work as “reductive landscapes.” I don’t know if he would agree with me, but the term fits. Abstract art uses shapes that hint at forms without showing them explicitly, making our brains work to understand what we’re seeing. This curiosity and need to explain the visual scene create an engaging experience. Peter’s simple shapes create complex scenarios, keeping us intrigued and making us see his work from different perspectives.
Color isn’t a big part of Peter’s work. Instead, he focuses on lines and contrast. His meticulous lines and the sharp contrast between them define his pieces. This contrast comes from using opposite shades (namely black and white), different sheens of the same tone, or varying textures. Sometimes, the contrast is between paint and raw canvas, adding a “tactile” element to the visual experience.
In visual perception, contrast helps us differentiate objects and understand space. What sets Peter apart is how he manipulates these contrasts. He uses sharp, crisp lines to define spaces, creating a clear separation between different areas of his work.
Peter also plays with light and shadow, using different sheens of paint to create subtle variations. This approach adds a dynamic quality to his work, making it change as the light in the room shifts. His pieces are constantly evolving as you move around the space. The occasional use other colors serves as a counterpoint, creating a rhythm within the piece that keeps your eyes moving and engaged.
We might not fully understand why humans evolved to see color, but we know it’s important. Peter’s work, however, focuses on an even more primal response: contrast. His work invites you to slow down, look closely, and appreciate the subtle details. It’s a meditative experience, one that makes you see the beauty in simplicity and the power of reductionism.
In summary, Peter Demos's work is a journey through the basics of visual perception. It challenges you to see beyond the obvious and appreciate the nuances of black, white, and everything in between.
If you'd like to know more about Peter's work, send me a message.
Simplicity as Sophistication: How Reductive Art Can Transform a Space
The two artists featured in this issue show how simplicity can be incredibly engaging. Their style is what I would call contemporary reductionism, with a focus on simplicity and refined elegance. You might wonder why these pieces are so compelling, even though they seem simple. Let’s explore the world of reductive art, where less really is more.
What is Reductionism in Art?
Reductionism in art focuses on boiling down elements to their bare essentials. It might seem straightforward, but there's a deep philosophy behind this simplicity that elevates it to something sophisticated and meaningful.
While the reductive or minimalist art movements peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, the principles of reductionism—stripping down to essential elements, using limited colors, focusing on form and simplicity—continue to influence many contemporary artists.
Reductionism focuses on the basic elements of form and color to convey messages and evoke emotions.
Why Does Reductive Art Look So Good in a Space?
Reductive art fits seamlessly into living spaces, complementing contemporary looks of simplicity and elegance. Here’s why it works so well:
The Deeper Meaning Behind (Seemingly) Simple Works
When artists distill their work to their most essential elements, they invite you to fill in the gaps with your interpretation. The simplicity of the visuals forces you to explore these ideas, tap into your feelings, and make a personal connection with the work. This interaction is what gives such art its profound impact.
Reductive art promotes valuing quality over quantity and essence over excess. By incorporating reductive art into your space, you're embracing a philosophy that celebrates the beauty of simplicity.
On a personal note…
After many months of intense training, I earned my blue belt in Krav Maga. The test was a grueling 2 hours and 45 minutes, leaving me exhausted and surprisingly emotional. It’s a huge sense of accomplishment. Also, you might consider sticking closer to me from now on. 😉
(My instructor is in the middle, and my partner for this belt on the right.)
See you next week…
Pato