Artist in conversation: Alam Wangi
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
My inspiration comes from the limitless possibilities in creativity and expression. I am intrigued by the idea of merging real life with the illogical and surreal, things that perhaps have never been seen or felt before, much like a dream that can be random and abstract, frame by frame. My goal is to convey ideas, emotions, or experiences in a way that resonates with others, even if it doesn’t relate to what is experienced in the literal visual sense. Developing my unique style is likely a combination of observing and drawing ideas from other artists, exploration, experimentation, and learning from others and my friends as well, all while continuously refining my skills. I also believe that embracing mistakes, being open to change, and constantly evolving plays an important role in shaping that style. Many artists develop their voice by engaging with various influences—perhaps from nature, other cultures, or personal experiences—and then integrating them in a way that feels authentic to themselves.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
Yes, I really enjoy drinking black coffee without sugar, and I imagine I will be very focused on expressing emotions and ideas through form, color, and composition that are not bound by realistic representation. Abstract painting gives me the freedom to explore concepts without the constraints of tangible objects or forms, allowing for great space for exploration.
-Creating Without Boundaries: I prefer to start in a very free way, while still staying true to the basic concept I envision. Perhaps I will choose colors or shapes spontaneously, letting the artwork develop on its own over time.
-Use of Color and Texture: I may focus on experimenting with combinations of contrasting or harmonious colors, as well as textures that provide dimension to the painting. Color can be my way of expressing emotions that are difficult to articulate in words.
-Emotional Process: I treat painting as a form of emotional release. Every brushstroke or paint swipe may represent the feelings I wish to let go of, whether it's joy, tension, or peace.
-Interaction with the Canvas: I engage directly with the canvas, relying on intuition and experimenting with merging the concepts I desire, letting feelings and emotions flow automatically, almost hypnotically. It’s like playing with color, shaking, or throwing paint onto the canvas to match emotions, music, and the surrounding environment.
-Reflection and Evaluation: After the initial process, I may take a step back to view my artwork from a distance, evaluating the feelings or meaning that emerge from the painting. There may be unconscious emotions that surface during the process, and I will further explore them.
How do you hope your audience connects with your work, and what emotions or reflections do you want to evoke in them?
I want my work to evoke emotions, whether it’s a sense of calm, joy, tension, or even confusion. My goal is to create a space where the audience feels free to confront or embrace their own emotions. I want them to feel a visceral connection, a raw, unfiltered relationship with the artwork. I hope my work communicates not only with their minds but also with their identities and the world around them. Additionally, I hope my work invites personal interpretation, where each viewer can see something unique based on their own experiences. Moreover, I want my work to provide a sense of liberation, allowing the audience to transcend the boundaries of realistic art and feel the freedom of expression. I also hope my work sparks curiosity, encouraging the viewer to explore further and discover new layers both in the art and within themselves. In this way, I want my art to be a dialogue, inviting the audience to engage, interpret, and connect personally.
How has your artistic journey evolved over the years?
My artistic journey began with exploring various forms of expression, both in painting and cinematography. Initially, I experimented with different techniques to discover my personal style. Over time, I started incorporating painting aesthetics into photography, film, music videos, and TV series by using painting elements in the background, as well as leveraging lighting and composition techniques inspired by classic and abstract surrealist painting. The Fusion of Painting and Cinematography: I began to realize that painting could be a powerful symbol within storytelling, not just as a visual element but also as part of themes and character development. I began applying painting styles, like Impressionism or Expressionism, in camera movements and transitions, creating emotional depth within audiovisual works. Conclusion: My artistic journey has been a blend of painting and cinematography that continues to evolve. I keep pushing my creativity by merging both to create works that are unique and deeper, providing a stronger experience for the audience. Overall, my journey reflects how painting and cinematography can complement each other, giving deeper meaning to every piece I create.
Can you describe your favorite piece you've created and why it’s meaningful to you?
Golden Bizarre of Spring is a piece I describe as vibrant and full of detail, reflecting the unexpected yet graceful nature of spring. The "golden" element in this piece symbolizes ultraviolet fluorescent light, as if an explosion of energy bursts through the universe, casting magical light onto blooming flowers. In this artwork, I envision an underwater world mixed with a surreal, dreamlike realm, where everything, from colorful flowers, rises in a symphony of mesmerizing colors. Some flowers have fully bloomed, while others are just starting to open their petals, symbolizing the eternal cycle of growth and renewal. The colors represent not only
literal warmth but also the metaphorical meaning of new beginnings. Spring itself, with all its contrasts—light and dark, growth and decay—becomes a visual representation of life’s complexity. Within it, I embed a reflection on the political situation in the world, which threatens peace, such as what has been happening in Palestine over the last two years, and the various political issues arising from trade wars and other conflicts that continue to shake the world.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
Integrating feedback from critics and audiences into my artistic practice is very important. I always strive to listen openly to any input provided, as constructive criticism often helps me see my work from a different perspective and offers new insights. However, I also aim to maintain balance with my own artistic intuition and personal vision. I believe that every piece of art comes from the depths of my heart and mind, and while external input is valuable, I want my work to reflect my true essence. Often, after receiving feedback, I take time to reflect and process it calmly. This allows me to better understand whether the feedback aligns with the goals and values I want to convey
through my art. I try not to rush into decisions, always choosing to incorporate suggestions that resonate with my vision. In this way, I can continue to grow as an artist without losing my authentic self.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I always strive to incorporate feedback from critics and audiences in a thoughtful and open manner. I believe that constructive criticism is an opportunity to see my work from a different perspective and to gain a deeper understanding of how it is received by others. However, I also aim to maintain a balance with my own artistic intuition, as I believe art is a personal expression that comes from within. Throughout my artistic journey, I have learned a great deal from my mistakes and experiences. Every challenge or piece of feedback I receive is an opportunity for growth and improvement. I do not rush to respond to feedback; instead, I take time to reflect and consider whether the
input aligns with the values I wish to convey through my work. I believe that mistakes are part of the learning process, and by accepting and processing them, I can continue to develop my artistic vision without losing the essence of the work I create. Through this approach, I hope to keep evolving as an artist while staying true to my style and artistic goals.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
Exhibiting my artworks at The Holy Art Gallery is an honor that means a lot to me. This gallery is known not only for its ability to showcase diverse and provocative artworks but also for its commitment to delving deeper into the meaning of each piece. This aligns perfectly with my own goals as an artist, where I strive to create not just something visual but also something that stimulates thought and emotion in the viewer. This exhibition provides a space for my work to be part of a broader dialogue, allowing my artwork to become part of a deeper conversation about various issues. In a world where art is increasingly driven by popularity and market value, many artists focus only on achieving fame or commercial gain. However, for me, art is more than just a tool for gaining status or recognition. It is a medium for expressing, exploring meaning, and pushing critical thinking. I believe that true art is about the courage to speak with one’s work, even if it is not always easy or popular. The Holy Art Gallery gives me the pportunity to share my work with an audience that values depth and reflection, not just the commercial or fame aspects. Here, I feel my work is appreciated not just for its visual appeal, but for the messages and emotions behind it. This is a place where I can continue to grow as an artist who aims to contribute to the art world in a more meaningful and profound way.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I very much want to be accepted by other artists and my peers in the art world, as I believe a supportive and inspiring artistic community is crucial in an artist’s development. I hope to continue learning and growing from my experiences and failures, as I understand that every challenge is a part of the artistic journey that shapes both my personality and my work. Additionally, I want to focus on developing my own artistic style, delving deeper into and honing the techniques I possess, so that I can create works that are more authentic and meaningful. In the long term, I plan to keep collaborating with other artists, participating in international exhibitions, and continually refining my skills so that my artwork can speak to a wider audience around the world.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
Emotion plays a very important role in my creative process. For me, art is a way to express feelings and experiences that might be difficult to articulate in words. When I create art, I am often influenced by the emotions I am experiencing—whether it is joy, sadness, doubt, or hope. These emotions are then translated through the colors, shapes, composition, and textures I choose, allowing my artwork to speak deeply to the viewer. My goal is to evoke specific feelings or emotional reactions from those who see my work, whether it is beauty, awe, calmness, or even tension. I want my work not just to be seen but to be felt—bringing the viewer into the world I create, where they can experience something personal and profound. I believe that art has the power to touch the heart and mind of a person, and that is what I hope to achieve in every piece I create.