ALEX GARANT INTERVIEW
““My art often plays with the idea of who we really are versus the masks we show to the world. I use multiple sets of eyes and layered imagery to express this duality. The eyes, which are like windows to the soul, get repeated to show the complexity of our inner and outer worlds.””
In 2012, you experienced a significant health event that influenced your dedication to art. How did this reshape your artistic vision and approach to creativity?
Yes, a heart attack changed my perspective on life and art. It made me realize how short life can be and pushed me to prioritize my passion for art. This experience made me want to explore themes of perception and identity more deeply, focusing on the layers of reality that we often overlook. It definitely brought a sense of urgency and commitment to my work. It was the one event that made me understand life is so short and there is no time to waste on stuff you are not passionate about.
Your work often explores the conflict between inner identity and outward persona. Can you elaborate on how you interpret this duality in your art and what you hope viewers take away regarding their own sense of self?
My art often plays with the idea of who we really are versus the masks we show to the world. I use multiple sets of eyes and layered imagery to express this duality. The eyes, which are like windows to the soul, get repeated to show the complexity of our inner and outer worlds. I hope that when people see my work, they think about their own layers and also experience some empathy for the character I paint. I want the viewer to attempt to understand the portrait sitter, try to reach them via the challenging eye contact.
As a pioneer in analogue glitch art, your technique involves patterns, duplication, symmetry, and superposition. How do you conceptualize and execute these elements in your paintings to evoke the intended psychological and visual effects?
This style that I developed was a way to challenge how humans see things. I researched and experimented so much in order to create a formula that reflects the fragmented nature of reality and the complexity of perception. I want viewers to question what they see and think about the nature of reality itself. These elements are carefully planned to create a feeling of disorientation and curiosity.
““Creating art has always been a powerful way to navigate my own emotions and thoughts. It’s a way to channel my feelings into something tangible, which can be really cathartic and healing.””
The motif of duplicated facial features, particularly multiple sets of eyes, is a signature element in your portraits. What inspired this approach, and how do you believe it enhances the narrative of heightened perception and introspective exploration in your work?
The multiple eyes and duplicated features in my portraits come from my interest in perception of others but also ourselves. There are multiple ways to see the world, and our absorption of reality can be interpreted so differently based on who we choose to be on a specific day. Additionally, eyes are such a strong symbol of perception, and by repeating them, I try to convey a heightened sense of awareness and introspection. This technique helps to tell a story about exploring deeper levels of consciousness and encourages viewers to look beyond the surface and question their experience towards the art itself, but also with their own senses.
"Wandering the Half-Dreamed" at Haven Gallery delves into the fluidity of identity within the dream world. How do you select and integrate symbolic elements into your ethereal landscapes to convey the surreal and transformative nature of dreams?
In "Wandering the Half-Dreamed," I wanted to explore how identity can shift in the dream world, where the lines between reality and imagination blur. I use symbolic elements like clouscapes and ethereal color stories to create a dreamlike atmosphere. These elements are chosen to evoke a sense of the subconscious, where our identities can change and transform, once again playing with the idea of multiple selves in existence at once. The exploration of who we are in our dreams, versus who we are in our awaken times, offers an interesting proposal when it comes to defining who should be considered our true self. The characters I paint, not only are going through this interrogation themselves, but should also take the viewer in the same quest.
Walking through your exhibitions is described as a journey through the subconscious, encouraging a meditative experience. How do you hope your audience engages with and interprets their personal reflections while immersed in your dreamscapes?
I hope that my exhibitions feel like a journey through the subconscious, giving viewers a chance to explore their inner thoughts and emotions. I aim to create a meditative experience that encourages introspection. I want people to connect with the artwork on a personal level, finding their own meanings and stories. The layered imagery and symbolic elements are meant to act like a mirror, reflecting the viewer's own subconscious and encouraging them to think about their identities and perceptions. I love to leave hints of my resonaing via contextual clues, however, I want the audience to write their own stories and identify how the visual relates to their own memories
Many artists find that their creative process serves as a powerful tool for coping and improving psychological well-being. How has your art helped you navigate your own emotional and psychological landscapes?
For me, creating art has always been a powerful way to navigate my own emotions and thoughts. It's a way to channel my feelings into something tangible, which can be really cathartic and healing. Working on my art helps me process personal challenges and has been a big part of my self-discovery journey. Through exploring complex themes and emotions in my work, I find both questions and mysteries but also, clarity and peace. I hope that my art can offer a similar sense of comfort and insight for others, helping them explore their own inner worlds. I just want to be part of the magic.