DIJON DAJEE MA

Dijon Dajee (b.1984) was born and raised in London. With Indian, British and New Zealand heritage his work is similarly international, spanning influences from all areas of the globe. Gaining his Master’s in Philosophy in 2008, he taught himself to paint in order to create a meditative space whilst studying. In 2012 he started exhibiting and has since been shown at the Royal College of Art, Central St. Martins and the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Dajee’s work is informed by academic aesthetics, often using The British Journal of Aesthetics as a primary source material in the early stages of their creation. His works are founded on complex ideas but are executed in minimalist ways exploring the deep connection between the rational and the intuitive mind. The subject of his work ranges from technical themes in astrophysics to specific interpretations of Aristotelian metaphysics, rewarding the viewer who wishes to consider these ideas further whilst at the same time creating a meditative and calm visual language.

WORK

The works he is best known for are a series of delicate paper and LED light installations, called B2FH, created between 2012-2017. Combining natural patterns and astronomical imagery the works explore the relationship between the microcosmic and macrocosmic perspectives of the universe attempting to depict the world at the very extremes of human perception. The artwork’s surface, which has been punctured and destroyed to make a rich and multi-layered ravines, focus the viewer on the physicality of the work of art developed from a reading of the book ‘The Work of Art as Object’ by Richard Wollheim. The works establish a layered boundary between the viewer and the light source and play with the borders behind which beauty can be found. Link

“Dendrite”, a series of works created between 2016-2018, take their inspiration from the 'action' painting movement and are as much a meditative process as they are the traces of a performance. His work starts slowly, by taking a rubber block and carving it into a complex woodgrain pattern to make a stamp. This slowness is subsequently ruptured by a number of quick gestures to the grounded canvas, layering a number of different tempera and acrylic paints on it in quick succession. Once this has been done and before the paint has a chance to dry, he uses the rubber block to wipe through the paints, creating wood grain effects upon the canvas surface in quick and singular movements. In doing so, the resulting works are traces of his movements but also beautiful reflections on the natural world. The works are informed by Timoth Morton’s theory of hyperobjects and naturally leave the viewer considering the traces that humans make on the planet. Link

In his most recent work (2018-present) Dajee focuses on interpreting Aritstotle’s theory of objects. Drawing on inspiration of the hard-edged minimalist works of the 1960’s, these works concentrate narrowly on the intellectualised properties of form. Link

PHILOSOPHY

Dajee studied Philosophy, specialising in Analytic Aesthetics at the University of York gaining his Master's in 2008. His main area of research was in Idealist Aesthetic philosophy, studying the works of R.G. Collingwood and Bernadetto Croce. His master's thesis put forward the notion that Collingwood's theory of 'art proper' could best be understood as a teleological exploration of the jazz movement that was in full swing at the same time and introducing the idea of the 'improvisational art object'.

Contact

For any catalogue inquires please use this form.
Commission requests are also welcomed.