Allan Xia
What has changed in your perspective towards your work?
Now that I'm in my thirties I'd definitely like to 'finish' more work rather than just be constantly brainstorming, the clock's ticking! Both helping others make amazing things happen or completing my own personal work, both bring me joy. I think I probably have less of an ego/ perfectionist attitude about it now that it's less about comparing myself to others versus building things to call my own step by step.
What kind of art have you turned to in this past year?
Quite a lot! I think the process of creation inspires me more than the results. Outside of visual art or interactive works, I'm actually super inspired by music and the emotional journey/ process that goes into the creation. I found Kanye West's process of releasing his latest album Donda through a series of work-in-progress listening parties really fascinating. I wish I was brave enough to expose raw unfinished work like that to the world! For my personal work, I've actually really gotten into painting traditionally in inks again.
Is there a particular moment this year that you remember?
Not any one single moment, but now that we're locked down again, I keep going back to memories of spending time with family in person and travelling (visiting friends in Wellington and also going on the Asia New Zealand Foundation's hui to trace Chinese gold mining history in Otago).
Like the stranded island scenario, if you knew you were going to be in isolation, what are 3 things you would have planned to have with you?
I think it would be a bit of a cop out but if I said I'd bring my Computer that'd probably be enough, I definitely have a massive backlog of games, movies and books to go through. Otherwise definitely pen and sketchbook.
@ankita.singh.photography
How did you keep in touch with your peers during isolation/did you?
A lot of chats on discord/ virtual hangouts on zoom. Looking forward to sharing all the new food/ cocktail recipes I've learnt once we can hang out in person though!