Titled: Thot, 2024, Acrylic on Canvas, 36 x 36 in.
Victor Aku, an emerging Nigerian- American artist, born 1996 in Seattle, Washington. With a self-taught background in art, Aku developed a profound connection to modernist abstraction, drawing inspiration from the works of 20th-century masters like Piet Mondrian, Josef Albers, and Mark Rothko. The influence of these iconic figures is evident in Aku’s fascination with geometric forms and the emotive power of color. Aku’s artistic journey began as a deep personal exploration, shaped by his desire to bridge intellectual study with intuitive expression. He was particularly drawn to Mondrian's disciplined use of lines and primary colors, Albers’ exploration of how colors interact and change in perception, and Rothko’s approach to creating transcendent emotional experiences through vast color fields. Yet, Aku sought to develop his own visual language—one that both honors these influences and expands upon them with fresh vibrancy.
His debut series, Portals of Infinity, showcases this unique synthesis. The series consists of paintings that explore the interplay of circles and squares across a spectrum of colors. Unlike the strict adherence to primary colors seen in some of his influences, Aku embraces a broader, more fluid range of hues, reflecting both the complexity of human emotion and the expansive nature of the universe. The recurring use of geometric shapes, such as circles and squares, acts as a structural anchor in his works, providing a sense of order amidst the shifting, dynamic color fields.
Portals of Infinity is more than just a visual exercise in form and color; it represents Aku's philosophical musings on existence, perception, and the limitless possibilities that lie beyond the material world. Each canvas invites the viewer into a contemplative space, encouraging them to see beyond the surface and engage with the boundless depth suggested by the compositions. As an emerging figure in the contemporary art scene, Victor Aku is quickly gaining attention for his vibrant and thoughtful approach to abstract painting. His works, steeped in both the intellectual traditions of modernism and a personal quest for meaning, mark him as a distinctive voice in the art world. With Portals of Infinity, Aku has laid a strong foundation for a career that promises to push the boundaries of geometric abstraction and color theory, while remaining deeply rooted in the human experience. Victor Aku enjoys listening to German Composer Johann Pachebel's Canon in D Major while painting.
Michael Rosenfeld
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