Asim Waqif: ‘Touch is really important in experiencing any art work’ | Hayward Gallery

TL;DR

Decentralizing creative process, reviving bamboo art, merging traditional and modern techniques.

Transcript

yeah I studied architecture but um I did not want to practice I like more Hands-On work um I like improvising while working on site and I just kind of chanced upon the art scene uh about 10 12 years back what I've been trying to do working on large scale projects actually is try to see if I can decentralize the creative process a little bit I find ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫶 Embracing hands-on, improvisational art over traditional practices.
• 🧑‍🎨 The artist's journey from architecture to becoming known for bamboo art.
• ⚖️ Balancing risk and typecasting for artistic exploration and growth.
• 💡 Integration of traditional ideas with modern sustainability discourse.
• 🥰 Innovating audience engagement through interactive art mechanisms.
• 🥰 Temporal nature of many art projects, repurposing materials post-exhibition.
• 💦 Playful associations with bamboo and music in the artist's works.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the artist's background in architecture influence their art?

The artist's architectural training shaped their approach to art, favoring hands-on work and improvisation, departing from traditional artist hierarchies.

Q: Why did the artist return to bamboo art after a hiatus?

Despite being known as a bamboo artist early on, they temporarily moved away from it but were drawn back for a pivotal project, embracing the risk of being typecast.

Q: How does the artist merge traditional and modern techniques in their art practice?

The artist aims to blend classical and contemporary ideas, challenging conventional sustainability notions, and leveraging nature-inspired architecture with innovative tools like CAD and algorithms.

Q: In what way does the artist approach audience interaction with their artwork?

The artist aims to break barriers between artwork and viewers by creating interactive mechanisms that engage other senses beyond sight, focusing on experiential art encounters.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The artist studied architecture but found joy in hands-on, improvisational art.

• Initially known for bamboo art, took a break but returned for a significant project.

• Aiming to blend traditional and modern techniques, redefining sustainability and audience interaction.