Draft:Renji Okada

Renji Okada, based in Tokyo. , is an artist recognized for his "UNPAINTED FIGURES" series.

Work
Influenced by abstract painting and conceptual art, Okada explores a path beyond the dichotomy of abstraction and representation, and the mere aesthetics of visual appeal. Growing weary of the binary judgment of artistic techniques and superficial beauty, he endeavors to depict the act of not depicting – seeking to portray the essence beyond the mere outline.

UNPAINTED FIGURES series
"UNPAINTED FIGURES" constitutes a series initiated by artist Renji Okada on November 15, 2023. The underlying theme of this collection revolves around the deliberate absence of color on the canvas, with the unpainted sections meticulously gesso-finished in white. The intention behind this artistic endeavor is to evoke a distinct response from viewers. When confronted with the artwork, an individual familiar with the imagery intended for the unpainted canvas may find these mental images manifesting vividly, accompanied by related thoughts. This lends the experience a heightened vibrancy, transcending the mere observation of the tangible piece

Essentially, the interpretation of each artwork within the series becomes subjective, oscillating between abstract and concrete depending on the observer. Importantly, the backdrop, whether painted in abstract or other styles, does not influence this transformative effect. This creative approach is set to pave the way for subsequent releases, encompassing diverse painting styles and additional unpainted series in due course.