Gary Edward Blum: Meditations within Minimalist Abstraction

Composition, Balance, and Duality: The Artistic Language of Gary Edward Blum

Inspired by the tranquility of nature, the geometries of architecture, and the serenity of interior design, Gary Edward Blum ‘s work reflects his personal and philosophical explorations. Inspiration, that meld with the influences of his favorite artists including de Kooning, Agnes Martin, Christopher Wool, Wade Guyton, Richard Serra, and others. But also Swiss Design and eastern philosophies, introduced during his India trip, which play a crucial role in shaping his work.

As part of his quest to push the boundaries of his artistic practice, he initially began incorporating photography into his painting practice in 2016, developing a unique process that involves degrading images intentionally, allowing them to accumulate a patina of age, and using paint washes and graphic interventions. This exploratory process creates a hybrid medium that exudes a sculptural “objectness,” offering viewers a visual experience that sits between the known realms of painting and photography.

Often centered around outdoor subjects, Gary Edward Blum ‘s work speaks to his deep connection with nature and the spiritual solace he finds therein: whether he paints an object within a white field or replaces the white with a landscape in his photographic work, the consistent compositional form and balance in his pieces signify his exploration of self, manifested as ever-evolving self-portraits.