2023-06-16
Emma Fitzgerald
Design Dispatch, New York
In "Landscapes of the Mind", Alex Besikian weaves together disparate elements from nature with a keen eye for abstraction. Through this unique fusion of high-tech and low-tech methods, Besikian invites viewers to reconsider the intricate beauty of their surroundings.
The Interplay between Technology and Nature: A Conversation with Artist Alex Besikian
As we navigate our increasingly digital lives, it's refreshing to see artists like Alex Besikian embracing the intersection of technology and nature in their work. The Paris-based artist combines traditional techniques such as drawing on paper and collage with digital tools to create visually striking graphic artworks that capture abstract shapes found in everyday landscapes.
A Digital-Paper Hybrid
Besikian's artistic process is a unique blend of old and new media. He uses digital software to manipulate colours, textures, and patterns, but also incorporates physical elements such as drawings on paper and collaged photographs into his compositions. This hybrid approach allows him to tap into the organic, tactile nature of traditional art while harnessing the creative possibilities of digital technology.
Finding Shapes in the Ordinary
"We usually tend to recognise familiar forms in abstract shapes," Besikian observes, "but it's the opposite that interests me." He uses existing pictures as a starting point for creating new compositions, often fragmenting or rearranging elements to reveal hidden patterns and shapes. This approach not only challenges our perceptions of what constitutes 'art', but also encourages us to see the world around us in a fresh light.
A Meditation on Impermanence
Besikian's artworks are not just visually striking; they also carry a sense of temporal flux, as if the natural world is constantly shifting and evolving. By incorporating elements from old photographs and other ephemeral sources, he highlights the impermanence of our surroundings and the importance of preserving memories for future generations.
A Reflection on Our Relationship with Technology
As we become increasingly dependent on digital tools to navigate the world, Besikian's artwork serves as a timely reminder of the beauty and value of traditional media. His use of collage and drawing techniques, in particular, highlights the tactile nature of human creativity and the importance of slowing down in a fast-paced world.
Experimentation and Innovation
Besikian's artistic approach is characterised by a spirit of experimentation and innovation. He is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with digital tools and traditional media, exploring new ways to combine these elements and create something entirely new. This willingness to take risks and try new things has resulted in a distinctive body of work that rewards close attention and reflection.
The Power of Repetition
Repetition is a key element in Besikian's artistic practice. By repeating shapes and patterns, he creates a sense of rhythm and flow that draws the viewer in. This repetition also serves to highlight the intricate relationships between different elements, creating a web of connections that rewards close observation.
Beyond Representation: A New Form of Expression
Besikian's artwork challenges our conventional understanding of representation and expression. By using abstract shapes to evoke familiar forms, he blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. This new form of expression invites us to reconsider what we mean by 'art' and how it can be used to convey meaning.
Conclusion: A New Vision for the Digital Age
Alex Besikian's artistic vision offers a compelling alternative to our increasingly digital lives. By embracing both traditional and digital techniques, he has created a unique body of work that rewards close attention and reflection. As we navigate this rapidly changing world, Besikian's artwork reminds us of the importance of slowing down, observing closely, and seeking out new forms of expression.
The Art of Observation
Besikian's artworks often begin with a moment of observation – a glimpse of shape or pattern in the natural world that sparks his imagination. By paying attention to the smallest details, he invites us to do the same. His artwork serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity that surrounds us, waiting to be seen and interpreted.
Embracing the Imperfect
Besikian's artistic process is often imperfect, with mistakes and happy accidents playing a key role in shaping his compositions. This willingness to accept imperfection adds a human touch to his work, making it feel more relatable and accessible. By embracing the imperfect, he encourages us to do the same, creating a sense of connection and shared experience.
Creating a Sense of Place
Besikian's artworks often evoke a sense of place and landscape, drawing on his experiences as an artist living in Paris. By combining digital elements with traditional techniques, he creates a unique visual language that is both local and global. This sense of place serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
A Conversation with Nature
Besikian's artwork engages us in a conversation with nature – one that encourages us to slow down, observe closely, and seek out new forms of expression. By using abstract shapes to evoke familiar forms, he invites us to reconsider what we mean by 'nature' and how it can be expressed through art.
