DIJON DAJEE MA

Dijon Dajee (b. 1984) is a London-born artist with a rich blend of Indian and British heritage, reflected in the diverse influences of his work. After earning his Master’s degree in Philosophy in 2008, Dajee taught himself to paint as a means of creating a meditative space during his studies. He began exhibiting his work in 2012, with notable shows at the Royal College of Art and Central St. Martins.

Dajee’s art is deeply rooted in academic aesthetics, often drawing from The British Journal of Aesthetics during the initial stages of his creative process. His works, though founded on complex ideas, are executed with a minimalist approach, exploring the profound connection between the rational and intuitive mind. His subjects range from technical themes in astrophysics to nuanced interpretations of Aristotelian metaphysics, inviting viewers to delve deeper into these concepts while simultaneously offering a tranquil and contemplative visual experience.

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WORK

Dijon Dajee is best known for his series of delicate paper and LED light installations, titled "B2FH," created between 2012 and 2017. These works combine natural patterns with astronomical imagery to explore the relationship between microcosmic and macrocosmic perspectives of the universe, attempting to depict the world at the very extremes of human perception. The surface of each piece, intricately punctured and textured to create rich, multi-layered ravines, emphasizes the physicality of the artwork. This approach is inspired by Richard Wollheim's book, "The Work of Art as Object," and establishes a complex boundary between the viewer and the light source, playing with the notion of where beauty can be found. Link

The "Dendrite" series, produced between 2016 and 2018, draws inspiration from the action painting movement and serves as both a meditative process and a trace of performance. Dajee begins by meticulously carving a rubber block into a complex woodgrain pattern to create a stamp. This slow, deliberate process is followed by rapid, gestural applications of tempera and acrylic paints on the canvas. Before the paint dries, Dajee uses the rubber block to create wood grain effects, resulting in works that capture the dynamic interplay between his movements and the natural world. These pieces are informed by Timothy Morton’s theory of hyperobjects, prompting viewers to reflect on the traces humans leave on the planet. Link

In his most recent work (2018-present), Dajee delves into Aristotle’s theory of objects. Drawing inspiration from the hard-edged minimalist works of the 1960s, these pieces focus on the intellectual properties of form, offering a narrow yet profound exploration of shape and structure. 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, introducing the idea of the 'improvisational art object'.

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