KI is a series of large-scale paintings inspired by Christian Hook’s travels through Japan, exploring the relationship between movement, mark-making, and energy. Rooted in the traditions of Japanese calligraphy, the works draw on the gestural language of brush and ink to create a visual rhythm that is both controlled and instinctive.
At the heart of the series lies the concept of Ki—the vital life force believed to flow through all things. Hook translates this idea into paint, using layered, fluid strokes to evoke presence, motion, and the invisible forces that animate both subject and space. The paintings move between figuration and abstraction, capturing not just form, but the energy that surrounds it.
Balancing tradition with a distinctly contemporary approach, KI represents a significant evolution in Hook’s practice. It reflects an ongoing search for a universal visual language—one that transcends cultural boundaries and speaks through gesture, movement, and time.
2018 · 17 works
Geishas at Dera Temple · Oil on board
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