Exploring curating and art-making as a methodology that suggests the human condition is more complex than it is currently understood, Alexandria (Ally) Zlatar examines, instigates and provokes notions of the individual experience through specifically focusing on the philosophical discourse, body image, embodiment and ethics. Zlatar acknowledges there is a power within the un-well body and believes there is tremendous value and potency through examining these subjects through the contemporary art lens. Born in Mississauga, Canada. She holds a BFA in Visual Art & Art History from Queen’s University and an MLitt Curatorial Practice from the Glasgow School of Art. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctorate of Creative Arts with the University of Southern Queensland. She has been involved in many exhibition creations & has had personal work shown globally. Additionally, she has worked on many curation projects with such galleries as Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Hunterian Art Gallery and Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Art. She is continuously interpreting, her desire to communicate & facilitate the theoretical concepts of art is highly valuable to her & her practice and strives to make a difference in society.
Self-taught or art school?
University of Southern Queensland: PhD Doctoral of Creative Arts 2019-Present
Glasgow University, Masters of Letters Curatorial Theory and Contemporary Art 2018-2019
Queen’s University, Bachelor of Art (Art History) 2015-2018
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
Arnolfini Portrait Painting by Jan van Eyck
How would you describe your style?
Acrylic contemporary painting. I focus on capturing the depth of the human lived in experience in art. I think what I am able to achieve with the medium creates some of my most impactful work. The vibrancy, smoothness and realism I can derive from acrylics tend to be the most potent. It can not only draw your attention but immerse you fully into the painting.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
My artist process varies depending on my project at hand. I tend to experiment with ideas associated with main themes such as value, control, identity and focus on how the art can readdress the current knowledge of a topic, or subject matter by reconsidering what it means through my artist and personal perspective.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
Right now it is nomadic. I was in Toronto, Canada now moving to an artist residency in Amsterdam, Netherlands then Glasgow, Scotland. Wherever I go, I need to make sure my artist kit is portable and compact. However, when I get into it, it is an organized mess, haha. I need everything laid out and easily accessible because if not, then I hate getting derailed trying to find an orange paint tube.
Is narrative important within your work?
Narrative is at the core of what I do. I think for me, art is how I can make a difference in the world. Art making is my way to explore how the human condition is more complex than it is currently understood and be able to open up dialogue through creative expression.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
My favourite artists are probably Caravaggio and David Shrigley. Caravaggio is able to capture life at it’s most vibrant and most intimate. Whereas, the stark, blunt and gritty commentary of David Shrigley is so appealing to me. The two definitely juxtapose each other but, have the same focus of capturing the core of life; emotion.
What or who inspires your art?
For myself, as an artist, I believe I am an activist. I believe that art helps make a difference in society and that knowledge inspires me to create. There is tremendous power within the un-well body and I think as an artist examining these subjects through the contemporary art lens provides a unique perspective into the discussion of living with mental illness.
Do you have any studio rituals?
My rituals include, firstly, sitting on the floor. I don’t know why, but art school made me hate painting on an easel. Netflix on loop for some background noise. Lastly, I have a huge bottle of Iced Tea and it is the nectar of the gods when you paint for hours at a time.
What are you working on currently?
At the moment my research is focused on visual identities concerning eating disorders and the lived experience of mental illness. The Starving Artist is a practice-led study which explores how eating disorders can be portrayed and understood within the contemporary climate through an auto-ethnographic lens. It is an attempt to reconceptualize the current popular notions and frameworks by suggesting eating disorders can be a praxis of individual identity. It is not merely about the surface level experience but, being an embodied individual means that we cannot escape ourselves when we have juxtaposing, and deeply-rooted beliefs that underpin the manifestation of eating disorders. These findings readdress the current knowledge of eating disorders by reconsidering what it means to embody a mental illness.
Where can we buy your art?
Originals: https://allyzlatar.partial.gallery/
Prints and Merchandise: https://society6.com/allyzlatar
Website – https://ally.pb.studio/
