Baso Fibonacci

Seattle-based artist Baso Fibonacci experienced an unfortunate accident that left him in a wheelchair and unable to use his right hand. Undeterred by this setback, he embraced painting with his left hand, showcasing his talent through stunningly vibrant depictions of plant life and animals, as well as mixed-media pieces exploring diverse themes.

The moniker Baso Fibonacci adopted is not his birth name, yet it resonates perfectly with his identity, symbolizing the fusion of Eastern and Western influences—the convergence of philosophical thought with the abstract realms of space, quantity, and numerical concepts. “Baso” draws from the Japanese term for Mazu Daoyi, an 8th-century Chinese figure renowned for popularizing Chan Buddhism, an amalgamation of Mahāyāna Buddhism and Taoism that laid the groundwork for Zen Buddhism. On the other hand, Leonardo Fibonacci, an early modern Italian mathematician, contributed significantly to the spread of the Hindu–Arabic numeral system and introduced the famed sequence of integers known as the Fibonacci sequence.

Baso, as he is commonly known, employs a layered technique on Plexiglass, reminiscent of the Impressionist style prominent in 19th-century French art, characterized by distinct yet subtle brushwork. Nevertheless, his art exudes a contemporary essence, echoing the urban vibe often associated with street art. Mirroring the fusion of philosophy and mathematics, Baso’s artwork represents a harmonious blend of classical fine art and accessible design—a synthesis of contrasting elements that truly encapsulates the essence of Baso Fibonacci.

Instagram – Baso Fibonacci
Baso Fibonacci Artist Interview: Flora, Fauna, and Fentanyl
An Artist Remembers the Seattle Viaduct
Seattle’s Baso Fibonacci paints on fentanyl foil to make a point

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Every Monday, Olson Kundig starts the week with an all‑office meeting, and once a month this meeting is devoted to an outside guest speaker. The Olson Kundig Speaker Series was created by Alan Maskin over two decades ago with the goal of inspiring staff with presentations from people who work outside the realm of architecture. To date, more than 300 guests have come to speak in our offices. The forum is also available for internal speakers, who share completed project overviews, complex project details, and research findings, all with the aim of increasing our shared knowledge.

The 2024 theme of The Speaker Series is Sorry, I Was On Mute… Sorry, I Was On Mute… is an exploration of narratives that have otherwise been silenced, censored, and hidden from our cultural zeitgeist. These are stories from people who push boundaries and question norms in relentless pursuit of their passions, despite all systematic and social barriers at play. At its core, Sorry, I Was On Mute… is an examination—and celebration—of the human spirit in its most authentic form.