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Popular cliché demands that artists be troubled by long, dark nights of the soul to create fine works worthy of an emotional response. The irresistibly straightforward approach of Boris Draschoff proves this to be strictly untrue.
Based in Berlin, arguably the beating heart of the European art scene, Boris has dedicated over a decade to his craft. It's a far cry from his origins, though – Boris studied economics at university. Quickly realising the 'safety' offered by a career that did not capture his imagination was no substitute for living his dream, Boris refocussed his attention on his true passion for art upon graduation. The financial world's loss is a gain for aesthetes everywhere as his work is stunning.
Boris describes his artistic approach as "kaleidoscoping and triangleising and simplifying the world." That may be quite a mouthful, but when you stop to take in the splendour of his work, it's easy to see what Boris means. In Greek, the act of kaleidoscoping is to observe beauty. On paper, a kaleidoscope provides a range of reflected lights. In reality, anybody peering through such an instrument will be treated to a cacophony of glorious colours and images, assigning a value and visual representation to the result based on their own experience and emotional response.
The same applies to art, after a fashion. The filtering afforded by a creative human eye transforms light into striking and eye-catching variances on the initial visual. Blending elements of classic pop art with contemporary styles and visuals, take a look at such impressive pieces as his sun wall art for an insight into the Boris Draschoff style.
Boris started out creating abstract art, drawing inspiration from the cubism movement popularised by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Boris would take a photograph, regardless of how everyday (dare we say mundane?) the image may have been, and convert this into a work of art through minimalism and triangulating all angles.
In addition to Picasso and Braque, another frequent inspiration is Egon Schiele. This legend of expressionism displayed a raw dynamism in his work that is also evident in Boris' art – albeit filtered through a modern lens. Eye-catching magazine images and photoshoots provide as much inspiration as the work of the past masters.
Boris' earliest artworks became Rorschach tests of a type. Whenever and wherever the art was exhibited, every observer appeared to see something different. Some of these perceptions met intentions; others were happy accidents. However, what was confirmed is that creativity is – to an extent – in the eye of the beholder.
Boris learned that less could be more, continuing to embrace minimalism in his art. The more space a piece contains, the less visual information is jostling for a viewer's attention. As a result, the limitless human imagination steps in to fill in any blanks. Da Vinci famously claimed that "art is never finished, only abandoned." Boris half-agrees with this sentiment. In the eyes of this gifted artist, work is completed when viewed and defined accordingly.
This completion is often emotional, which is essential to Boris. Usually, this artist takes his inspiration from the natural world – though human interaction is equally important. Take his silhouette art. These minimalist pieces of art that utilise basic shapes and a limited colour palette at face value. The power of the sunrise is indisputable, though, and carries a different meaning for many people.
Does the dawning of a new day mark the beginning of a new chapter or the closing of an old one? That response will differ, depending on unique perspective. One person could view the creation as brimming with hope and optimism, while another will consider it a meditation on melancholy and the passing of time. What initially appears to be a simple work is sure to leave anybody pondering and discussing meaning. Such is the power of art – especially that of Boris Draschoff.
Do not make the mistake of assuming that minimalist art requires minimal effort. Like all visionaries, Boris works tirelessly to bring his vision to galleries around the world. Frequently, Boris will not begin with a set idea of what he intends to commit to a canvas. Instead, he will experiment with a range of shapes, seeking a lightning bolt of inspiration and vision – not dissimilar to the results experienced by those who observe his work.
Eventually, these shape combinations forge a memory or connection, which in turn creates an inspiring artwork. In addition to the simplified shapes that define Boris' kaleidoscopic approach, he applies minimal colour differences and utilises the mysterious visual power of silhouette to maximum impact. This often leads to Boris being mistaken for an Asian-inspired artist, though his works will undeniably sit as comfortably beside a masterpiece from the East as well as Europe.
We challenge anybody to review the complete art portfolio of Boris Draschoff and not find themselves moved. Whether it's the simplicity of The Cat, the raw joy of Dancing in the Sun or the thoughtful spaciousness of The Ocean, it's impossible to tear your eyes from this eclectic collection without a range of reactions. There is an elegance to Boris' art that captures the imagination and refuses to let go. Add one of these works to your own home, and you'll always have something to talk about at your next dinner party.
