Giannis Karavelis, Inkographies: Japanese artwork series

Giannis Karavelis has developed a unique expression of our world. His Japanese artwork series INKOGRAPHIES shows how his images can transcend our common reality and take us to new levels of thought. Because the artist is influenced by the Japanese art of Bokusho, his artwork series INKOGRAPHIES is based on Ink and more specifically on Sumi-ink. This material encourages him to seek new, creative paths. So, the artwork series INKOGRAPHIES reflects such a quest and more specifically, it includes unique, Japanese techniques creating an unpredictable result.

Since 1997 I have worked in the commercial communication field, as a marketer and creative director. When the economic crisis hit Greece in 2010, I ended up without a job. As a result, a small crack opened up inside of me. I started looking for something in order to express myself, to convey my spiritual state. In visual arts, and more specifically in the Japanese art of Bokusho, I found what I was looking for. What draw me to it were its simplicity, monochrome and shared perception of beauty. So, I traveled to Japan to study Bokusho art at the Rakuyou Institute of Arts in Tokyo. Up until now, I keep creating…

Each aspect of my life constitutes a potential source of inspiration. In addition, music plays an important role when I’m into painting. For example,  when I was creating my artwork INKOGRAPHIES I was listening to Japanese DJs like Shingo Nakamura. Because I am influenced by the Japanese art of Bokusho, my artwork series INKOGRAPHIES is based on Ink and more specifically on Sumi-ink. This material encourages me to seek new, creative paths. Therefore, I have been working more and more on experimental practices within my art. Moreover, the artistic use of Ink helps me see clearly not only into my soul but also outside of me. In other words, this material releases from within me large quantities of artistic imagination and creative sensitivity. In short, I would say Ink is the raw material of absolute expression.

The art of Bokusho integrates calligraphy with painting. In other words, it combines principles of traditional Japanese calligraphy and the element of abstract expressionism. It began in Japan in 1945 right after the war as a direct artistic-philosophical reaction to the existential impasses of the era. Subsequently, the Bokushō art expanded throughout the western world, influencing well-known artists and painters like Pollock and Klein, for instance. For more info, you may read my article at greecejapan.com (in Greek).

Above all, I wanted to set up a platform for artists engaged in monochrome art and only; Providing access to the most exciting and innovative artistic talents working around the world. Moreover, to establish an international meeting place not only for artists but also for collectors and aficionados of black and white art. So, MONONOQROME emerges the most innovative artists and offers an exclusive collection of Limited Edition Prints that will never lose its value.

Firstly, I would say Inkographie 3 for its complex, dynamic movement and secondly, Inkographie 2 because was created during an intense period of my life.