Miragem 

Manabu Mabe's "Miragem" is an abstract painting made with oil on canvas, using techniques that echo both fine art and the gestural qualities of calligraphy. Mabe, a Japanese-Brazilian artist, allows the inherent qualities of the oil paint to dictate the form. We can see the texture of the paint, its viscosity and the way it catches the light. The layering, the drips, the bold strokes – all of these are results of Mabe’s active engagement with his materials. It's as if the painting is not just a representation, but an event recorded in pigment. There is something immediate and intuitive, but it's also clear that a great deal of control and experience is involved. The social context here is interesting too. Mabe draws on two distinct cultural traditions and art histories. Ultimately, "Miragem" reminds us that the value of art lies not just in the image it presents, but in the artist's interaction with their tools and materials.