The Quick Q & A editorial in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine is a much loved regular feature, in which we ask 6 artists the same 4 questions. In the September 2024 Issue 46, these were the Quick Q & A questions:
- What are your goals as an artist?
- What do you struggle most with as an artist?
- What was the most helpful feedback you ever received?
- How do you approach the challenge of staying relevant and current in the rapidly changing world of contemporary art?
We feel that the artists’ responses provide such a valuable insight for our community of artists that we wanted to share one Quick Q & A response from each issue with you, going forward. The September 2024 Issue 46 print issue is sold out, but you can download the digital magazine via our webstore to read more. To ensure you never miss an issue again, you can also subscribe to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, and have each issue sent straight to your door each quarter.
Excerpt from Issue 46 // September 2024 Quick Q & A editorial: Alfred Liu, Hiro, Mao Hamaguchi, Abigail Goldman, Andrea du Plessis, and Garis Edelweiss [1st Prize Winner of the 2023 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, Digital Art Award] all respond to the below Quick Q & A:
Quick Q & A: How do you approach the challenge of staying relevant and current in the rapidly changing world of contemporary art?
“That’s a very interesting question. When I was studying at the VCA (Victorian College of the Arts), my teachers helped guide me to be able to appreciate more conceptual, contemporary and traditional works because early on I was more inclined towards video games, fantasy and sci-fi art. I still am, but I think it’s about balancing the intention of the work, usually the latter is often the accompanying material to a product like a game or book, but a piece of art has to stand on its own as an object. So, when I make a work I try to keep in mind how it will exist not only as a painting of a subject, but as an object in a space.”
“While staying true to my inspiration and core, I constantly seek ways to express what I want without being constrained by frameworks or patterns, so I can adapt to change. I aim to maintain a curiosity for new techniques and movements. Specifically, I explore the integration of traditional Japanese painting techniques with digital tools to achieve free expression. Additionally, I often incorporate patterns from traditional kimono designs (formal beauty) into my work. I believe that kimono designs are important symbols of Japanese aesthetics and culture. By integrating identities and elements rooted in past art and culture, with modern perspectives and approaches, I believe new forms and expressions can emerge.”
“I’ve never consciously painted with such intent. What matters to me are the timeless, universal emotions that reside within people’s hearts, transcending eras. Ultimately, what remains are these human emotions and sentiments, which I deeply cherish. Art, I believe, mirrors these universal emotions. I hope my work can serve as a sanctuary, offering solace or shedding light in darkness. Through my art, I aim to share emotions and sentiments that may not find tangible expression in daily life. I’m grateful for this wonderful opportunity to connect with people from different cultures beyond language barriers through my artwork.”
“For better or for worse, I feel very removed from the world of contemporary art. I feel like a stranger that snuck into the party through a side door, in disguise and clinging on for the champagne and canapés. And the simple truth is that I work with violence, which means my subject matter is perpetually and dreadfully relevant. We can’t get away from it. I approach the rapidly changing art world through the same juggernaut that caused it to change so much: social media. Instagram has introduced me to so many terrific artists, and every time I follow someone new, the algorithm sharpens and feeds me more. It’s a self-fulfilling steamroller, terrifying and wonderful all at once.”
“Aside from keeping up with what other artists are doing, I think it’s quite important to stay in touch with developments in technology; to not be afraid of it, but rather to be willing to learn and to approach technology with a collaborative mindset. There are many new, exciting tools available for artists to incorporate into their practice. Personally, I’ve been experimenting with
combining digital and traditional art in my practice, by using augmented and virtual reality to bring my paintings to life. I think something truly magical happens when you bridge the gap between classical art and new media. That said, I think it’s very important to stay true to what excites and inspires you as an artist and not get swayed by trends.”
“In navigating the ever-changing realm of contemporary art, my approach revolves around embracing technological advancements and exploring diverse artistic mediums. Rather than confining myself to a single medium, I prioritise continuous experimentation across various techniques and creative platforms. Actively engaging with and drawing inspiration from a wide array of artists’ works enhances my ability to produce fresh and diverse pieces of art. By remaining attentive to the
latest developments in art and technology, I ensure that my work remains relevant and contributes meaningfully to this dynamic landscape. My commitment to ongoing exploration, coupled with a deep appreciation for the creativity of others, allows me to make significant contributions to the diverse world of contemporary art while continually evolving and refining my own artistic voice.”
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