ABDITUM MENTIS: The Interplay of Emptiness and Substance in the Works of Iven Orx & Aaron Vinn

ABDITUM MENTIS represents a captivating Latin term describing the occult of the mind. In ancient intellectual theory, it emphasizes that human consciousness forms the basis of thinking and knowledge. It delves into subtle nuances and latent knowledge that is always present but often unconscious. Orx and Vinn dedicate their works ABDITUM MENTIS to this theme.

Exploring similar themes and techniques in contemporary art brings to mind other remarkable artists. One of them is Anish Kapoor, a renowned British-Indian sculptor known for his large-scale installations that explore the relationship between form, void, and perception. Works like “Cloud Gate” in Millennium Park, Chicago, initiate a fascinating dialogue between void and substance by utilizing reflective surfaces and organic forms. Another artist deserving mention in this context is Olafur Eliasson, a Danish-Icelandic artist known for his immersive installations playing with light, space, and natural elements. His works, such as “The Weather Project” at Tate Modern, incorporate fog, mirrors, and light to create transformative experiences, challenging our perception of reality. Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist, is also of great significance, known for her vibrant and immersive installations often featuring recurring patterns and motifs. Particularly impressive are her “Infinity Mirror Rooms,” creating an illusion of infinite space, blurring the boundaries between void and substance. Kusama’s artworks invite viewers to contemplate their place in the cosmos and recognize the connection between the visible and the hidden. Similar to these artists, Orx and Vinn employ various techniques and visual elements to explore the relationship between void and substance, consciousness, and the concealed.

The works ABDITUM MENTIS by Orx and Vinn evoke sculptural constructions where elements stand in different relationships and dynamics. Through impasto paint applications, the artists skillfully utilize the properties of color to create structure and form that protrude beyond the surface, lending tactile quality to the works. The layered glazes create depth where merging colors interact. Reflections from applied precious metals produce additional effects and nuances, capturing and reflecting light into the space. These reflections create another dimension as they move with the viewer’s gaze, subtly capturing ambient light and reflecting it in multifaceted facets. The viewer is enticed to observe the work from various angles, discovering the changing states.

Overall, the paintings and sculptures alter and intensify the impact of matter and light. The reflections generate an immersive experience, almost magnetically drawing consciousness inward. This artistic creation is a complex fabric reflecting the ongoing quest for the connection between void and substance. The works engage with light, forming a bridge between the visible and the hidden for viewers, encouraging them to question their own perception of reality and being.