Shibumi XVIII, 2025

Anna F  

SHIBUMI collection takes a look back to previous works created according to the principles of the Japanese philosophy of Shibumi. Loosely translating to 'effortless perfection', Shibumi is an aesthetic concept which embodies a sense of refined, elegant simplicity and subtle, unobtrusive beauty. The three principles of Shibumi, Austerity, Asymmetry, and Subtlety, are integrated throughout Anna's practice, but more specifically in this collection:

AUSTERITY: The use of restraint, exclusion, where omission is as important as the addition of something.

IMPERFECTION & ASYMMETRY: The idea of controlling balance in a composition via irregularity and asymmetry symbolises the imperfection that is part of existence. This is why there are contrasting marks in the work used within asymmetrical compositions.

SUBTLETY: Limited visual information, just enough to arouse curiosity and leave something to the imagination. Whispering marks and subdued and gently colours form the foundation on which to build areas on interest.

Anna is a Minimalist Abstract Artist. Her work delves into the importance of negative space and the Zen philosophy "Ma" - the spatial relationship between structural elements.
Her paintings and drawings incorporate Shibumi principles; a complex process not evident in the outcome, creating works of unobtrusive beauty.

Beginning by referencing tangible elements from nature, after careful observation Anna strips away all but the non-essential, working with gestural marks and elemental colour to capture the essence of the subject. This redaction of the superfluous encourages the observer to slow down and appreciate the tranquillity of the work.