Imi Knoebel, Kadmiumrot C C1-C5 (1975/2018). Acrylic / wood, five parts. 228 x 344 x 9 cm. © Imi Knoebel. Courtesy White Cube. Photo: © Ivo Faber.
Joseph Beuys' approach to structural composition and Malevich's exploration of colour and form to attain 'pure perception' are visible influences in Imi Knoebel's works.
Achieved through an exploration of unique colour combinations and materials' physical possibilities, Knoebel's simplified forms made him a pioneer in minimalist abstract art alongside Blinky Palermo, Ellsworth Kelly, Carmen Herrera et al.
As the artist once said, 'Colour is the keyboard, the eyes are the hammer, the soul is the piano with its many chords. The artist is the hand that, by touching this or that key, causes vibrations in the soul'.
Knoebel's solo exhibition of recent works is showing in White Cube's OVR until 27 February.
