Tycjan Knut creates subtle abstractions. Using delicate tonal differences and neutral colours, his works have an effect that verges on optical illusion. His compositions require time and thought. What meets the eye at a glance may not be all it seems after a closer inspection. Knut’s paintings unfold slowly, with multiple anchor points drawing the viewer’s eye across the painting and creating a sense of balance. By building up overlapping layers of colour in a way that resembles the organic world, he creates images that trick the eye into perceiving new depth in already highly structural objects. Without using sketches or plans, Knut’s practice is reactive. The artist carefully follows the formation of the composition, examining the function of each element in relation to the painting as a whole throughout.
‘In painting I try to completely rely on intuition, because it in its essence seems to me to be the purest. To cultivate this feature in my works, I give up the preparations.’
Knut’s work takes inspiration from the geometric abstract art of the twentieth century with a deep academic interest in unknown abstract ‘masters’. His work resonates with the echo of this tradition but extends beyond the trend, his works freed from the constraints of formula.