Artists In Munich Interview: Hazel Ang
It is foolish to generalize much in art. It also does little to explain it. Though there are many exceptions, after the Second World War, art in Germany separated into two main camps. Traditional art remained in Munich, and more contemporary art centered in Berlin. Recently though, many modern artists have moved to Munich to try and change the German/Bavarian scene. Hazel Ang, from Toronto, is one such artist.
In what we here at MunichNOW will turn into a regular feature, here’s a look at one of the ‘new’ artists of Munich, Hazel Ang.
Guardian — Artist: Hazel Ang
Hazel Ang: I am a Canadian artist/illustrator who has lived in Germany for the past 11 years. I fell in love with Munich when I moved here seven years ago.
To fund my work in the past, I’ve worked as a music instructor, designed for a communication design agency, worked for advertising, and worked for a national newspaper. Currently I work full-time at a design agency in Haidhausen.
MunichNOW: What are your favorite mediums to work with?
I work with both traditional and digital mediums, but it depends mainly on the project. At the moment, I am obsessed with oils on wood. I also want to start making and using my own paints with pigments…as an artist, I am always evolving.
When did you realize you wanted to be an artist?
Phoenix Moon — Artist: Hazel Ang
HA: Actually, pretty early on. Instead of playing in the sandbox with the other kids, I was drawing them from the sidelines.
When someone is seeing your work for the first time, what do you hope they’ll see in it? Or, what do you want them to say about your work?
HA: It’s great when people view my work and wonder exactly what is going on. I love hearing people’s interpretations as it demonstrates just how imaginative and creative we humans really are.
Who are some artists that you admire and why?
HA: Oh my, there are so many artists I admire. But if you were to ask me what period of Western art history I most admire, it would be around the turn of the 20th century, when the symbolists and romantics were milling about causing a ruckus in academia. Also, I love Gerhard Richter, Francis Bacon and Ai Weiwei-all very different artists, but each one has the ability to really overwhelm me emotionally and intellectually.
What is it like to be an artist in your community?
HA: Great! I’ve just recently come out of the woodwork and most of the artists I’ve met in the past year have been really quite awesome! Munich has a really vibrant and diverse art community.
If you could take a trip to anywhere in the world, and in any time period in art history, where and when would it be?
HA: Right now, I have a need to explore my cultural heritage, so I’m learning as much as I can about Chinese art history. The information about Chinese art and culture is just immense.
How do you promote your art?
HA: Mainly through social media and keeping in touch with the artistic community… keeping active and keeping appearances up (read: partying.)
Why are you drawn to the media that you use?
HA: I spend most days in the agency trying to produce images really quickly, so when I am at my home studio, I want to take my time and really be inside my work — oil paint is perfect for that.
What advice can you give artists who are just starting their career?
HA: Never give up what you love, and strive to have a strong backbone. Just because someone says your work is crap doesn’t mean that everyone thinks that. If you really want things to happen, you have to make them happen.
Whats on your art agenda?
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Hazel Ang QR Code
Cha Yi Art of Tea — Artist: Hazel Ang
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