"Kind of blue" by Benoît Trimborn

About

Trimborn may be internationally lauded as a painter, but he is in fact an equally talented, classical pianist—even treating attendees to an impromptu concert at his last opening reception at HUGO. His musical sensibilities infuse his artwork, lending his paintings an unmistakable balance, serenity, and harmony.

Whereas classical music is known for its complex arrangements, jazz is known for improvisation and variation. Similarly, this collection—or composition—of paintings is a riff on classic landscapes. Like a jazz musician inspired in the moment, Trimborn describes the emphasis for the color blue as a calling he did not question, saying “the real question is to know how to paint a landscape specifically highlighting this color rather than knowing why.”

Davis’ revolutionary album was groundbreaking for its use of modal jazz. Modal jazz operates according to characteristic melodic and harmonic behaviors, but beyond the constraints of chords. Davis referred to modal composition as “a return to melody,” and described it as “a challenge to see how melodically innovative you can be,” stating there are “fewer chords but infinite possibilities as to what to do with them.”

 Trimborn has extemporized with color previously, depicting the countryside and coastline as if through tinted filters. But there is something special about his use of the color blue here. Landscapes awash in its cool palette are melodic and mesmerizing. Their atmospheric quality is immersive. His tone on tone variations of bucolic environments do not constrict vision but spark imagination. The synchronicity of hues spurs movement and texture that defy realism. Who knew that fewer colors would invite infinite possibilities as to what to do with them? How to experience them? What can be understood from them? Perhaps not even Trimborn, who reminds us “artistic creation has its own authority that ignores reason.” Don’t just look—listen to his paintings. There is music to be heard.