Beyond the Contour: Art Reception

In “Beyond the contour” the fluidity and serenity that is characteristic of Ai Campbell’s majestic works of infinite detail juxtapose onto the infinitely-dimensional surfaces of orbs.
Celebrated for their harmonious monochromatic use of black and white, her works now grace the contours of one of the most challenging three-dimensional surface of all; the unrelenting sphere. Interestingly, the orb accentuates and liberates the lively shapes in her work. In addition, the orb is functionally synergistic as the delicately curved patterns readily traverse each circular plane to meet at their starting points. Aesthetically, each orb has its own character and progression. Displayed together, the orbs interact to create a kaleidoscopic effect.

The work of Ai Campbell celebrates the compelling nature of art’s most basic elements, using the monochromatic colors of black and white to amplify positive negative spaces through the contrast. Her works are inspired by organic forms, from the nascent to the moribund. By eliminating the diversity of color, the black and white spaces enhance the contour of shapes allowing her to see vividly the simple yet critical elements of objects. The resulting works are powerfully delicate yet paradoxically complex detailed paintings
and drawings that arrest the imagination of the audience. She continues to investigate her long-standing interest in the relationship in between the positive and the negative spaces through this installation as the orbs interact with the room subtracting from the blank spaces.

Ai Campbell is a visual artist who currently lives and works in Brooklyn. She was born in Osaka, Japan, trained in oil painting at the Kyoto College of Art and Design. Her work has exhibited in Osaka, Japan, Miami, St. Petersburg, Florida, Barcelona, Spain and New York City.