Bastien & Flavien
Bastien Bouta and I unite our complementary artistic approaches to create a series that bridges introspection and storytelling. Bastien’s abstract art explores raw emotion, using minimal shapes, vibrant colors, and rich textures to craft expressive yet harmonious works. His introspective process contrasts beautifully with my focus on the structured elegance of calligraphy, typography, and Japanese aesthetics.
This unique collaboration combines Bastien’s intuitive sense of composition with my expertise in traditional and contemporary design elements. Drawing inspiration from Japanese culture and the power of abstract expressionism, we’ve created pieces that resonate with depth and dimension. Like the overlapping lenses of vintage 3D glasses, our visions merge to form an immersive new artistic world.
This art series celebrates the fusion of abstract minimalism, emotional expression, and Japanese-inspired aesthetics. Whether you’re drawn to contemporary art, calligraphy, or the interplay of color and texture, we hope these works speak to you as deeply as the creative process inspired us.
énergie
énergie is a profound visual meditation on the nature of questioning and its power to ignite action. It explores the idea that introspection, far from being static, can generate momentum—a surge of energy and force that propels us forward. At the heart of this artwork is the Japanese kanji 勢 (ikioi), meaning "momentum, energy, or force." Its presence serves as an open invitation to summon courage and take the first step toward meaningful action.
The composition is elegantly balanced between two distinct elements, creating a harmonious dialogue. The upper portion features a square of richly textured royal blue pigment, its intense hue evoking depth, clarity, and infinite potential. Below it, the kanji 勢 is rendered in classical Edo-style calligraphy, its precise strokes radiating strength and tradition. Together, these two squares mirror each other in size and form, creating a visual symmetry that draws the viewer into contemplation.
The textured blue square represents boundless energy and possibility, while the kanji anchors the piece with cultural and philosophical depth.
This artwork invites viewers to reflect on their own hesitations and to find within them the energy to move forward. By blending minimalist abstraction with the timeless beauty of Japanese calligraphy, it bridges traditional and contemporary artistic practices, making it a compelling addition to any collection inspired by modern minimalism and cultural storytelling.
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inner compass
inner compass is a meditation on the balance between innocence and direction, a journey through life’s chaos toward inner peace. At the heart of this artwork is a floating leaf, symbolizing innocence, purity, and a touch of naiveté. The leaf embodies who we are at birth: free from notions of good or evil, unmoored from direction or purpose, drifting in the vast expanse of existence.
To navigate life’s tumult and remain grounded in our essence, we must trust our inner compasses—the quiet guides that anchor us when the winds blow too strong. In inner compass, the leaf hovers above four trigrams of the Bagua, representing the primal elements of the world: earth, wind, water, and fire. These elements are deeply rooted in East Asian philosophy, prominently featured in the Luopan, the Feng Shui compass, and the South Korean flag. Each element corresponds to a cardinal direction: air (East), earth (West), water (North), and fire (South), with these directions etched in their Chinese characters—東 (East), 西 (West), 南 (South), and 北 (North)—forming a symbolic axis for life’s journey.
The concept deepens with a nod to the idiom 四神相応 (Shishin Sōō), which describes a land so harmonious and wondrous it is fit for the Four Sacred Gods of Chinese mythology. This idealized place is a metaphor for our own inner landscapes—a destination of balance and fulfillment we strive to reach by following our personal compass.
In this piece, inner compass becomes more than an artwork; it is a visual mantra for self-discovery and harmony, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary symbolism. Its interplay of innocence, direction, and cultural heritage invites viewers to reflect on their journey through life, the choices they make, and the ideals they hold dear.
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sérendipité
縁 (en) is the serendipitous connection, the rare and beautiful alignment of stars when time and space converge in perfect harmony. It symbolizes those fleeting moments when everything seems to unfold effortlessly, guided by an unseen hand. In our creative journey, Bastien and I found a touch of 縁 in our encounter, and from this spark, sérendipité was born.
At its core, sérendipité explores the essence of exchange—a dialogue woven from emotions, ideas, and shared inspiration. It embodies the intangible yet profound connection that allows hearts to communicate beyond words. Like two celestial bodies meeting on their orbits, this collaboration gave rise to a boundless new world, shaped by the interplay of our visions and styles.
The composition is a visual ode to unity and synchronicity. Its colors and forms echo the iconic Japanese 5-yen coin (五円, goen), a symbol of good fortune and meaningful connection. Intriguingly, the word goen is a homophone for 御縁, the honorific form of en, emphasizing the sacred nature of serendipitous relationships. The coin's distinctive circular hole is reimagined here as a central black circle, a void that invites introspection and symbolizes the infinite potential of connection.
Through its abstract forms, rich symbolism, and harmonious design, sérendipité bridges cultures and concepts, offering viewers a visual journey that celebrates the beauty of chance and the power of collaboration.
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honne / tatemae
honne / tatemae delves into the profound duality of self-perception and social identity, a concept deeply rooted in Japanese philosophy and culture. At its heart is a soft pink form, its gentle hues and organic curves symbolizing the idealized self—the version of us we strive to present to the world. Stamped boldly across this shape is the word 本音 (honne), representing the true self, the unfiltered inner voice that lies beneath the surface.
Contrasting this is 建前 (tatemae), encased within a stark black circle—a visual representation of the façade we construct for the sake of social harmony. Far from the Western interpretation of hypocrisy, the interplay between honne and tatemae reflects the Japanese appreciation for balance and coexistence. This dichotomy is not about deceit but about a noble effort: the act of curating our external selves to create space for others, fostering mutual respect and allowing society to thrive.
honne / tatemae invites viewers to explore this delicate dance between authenticity and appearance, challenging Western notions of individuality while celebrating the Japanese reverence for collective harmony. Through this piece, we are reminded that the self is a multifaceted entity, and the masks we wear are not constraints but tools that enable connection and understanding.
This artwork is more than a visual statement; it is a meditation on identity, culture, and the sublime art of balance. Perfect for those who appreciate Japanese-inspired aesthetics, philosophical exploration, or abstract expression, honne / tatemae is a powerful addition to our ongoing exploration of the self and its many dimensions.
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