Thoughts of Infinity (2024)

Director: Halina Dyrschka
Screenplay: Halina Dyrschka
Cinematography: Luana Knipfer
Editing: Antje Lass
Music: Damian Scholl
Production: Ambrosia Film
Running Time: 85 min
Country: Germany, United States
Language: English

James Howell created over 400 artworks composed entirely of varying shades of gray. For Howell, gray embodies the “in-between” space of both color and existence - an idea long pondered by thinkers like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Aristotele, and Paul Cézanne. Howell’s paintings enlighten our modern, dichotomous worldview that causes us to cast life in absolutes of black and white. The infinite arrays of Howell’s minimalist paintings evoke a contemplative atmosphere that gradually reveals itself to the viewer, inviting contemplation. Having spent much of his life capturing the subtle transitions between light and shadow, Howell’s work is a testament to his precise and meticulous approach. His artistic practice reflects not only his technical skill but also a deep, meditative spirit. This introspective quality permeates Thoughts of Infinity, a film that transports viewers from the frenzy of everyday life to the serene landscapes of San Juan Island in the Pacific Northwest—an area that deeply influenced Howell’s artistic vision. It was here, amidst the natural beauty of the island, that Howell delved into studies of quantum physics and Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism. While his friend and peer Robert Ryman’s white canvases enjoyed critical acclaim in the 1980s, Howell’s work was often overlooked by curators and institutions - prompting questions about the intersection of artistic legitimacy, market value, and public perception. Thoughts of Infinity explores Howell’s unique perspective, examining his fascination with the color gray and uncovering the philosophical underpinnings of his art through the tranquil waters and woods of Washington State.