Alastair Laas is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22

The core of Laas' work focuses on human relationships. He explores our fragility by weaving together contemporary mythologies that engage with aspects of persona, consumer behaviour, tribalism, and collective cultural equity in the absence of home. Trading within an economy of emotions Laas finds particular interest in the personal by exploring facets of sentimentality at an intersection between obsession and delusion.

A trans-disciplinary practice that plays with parallels and hypocrisies, as well as formal associations that may exist between digital and physical fields.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How did you get started as an artist?

Redrawing brand names as a youngster, led on to mark-making on the streets. This then became research into semiotics to explore how meaning is made within visual culture. Living through commercial artmaking [a survival of sorts], a decade on, my practice now questions authenticity in the digital age and how persona influences cultural behaviour infiltrating every avenue of human relationships.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

Arbitrary, indomitable, erratic – but crucial in articulating our vulnerability.

And how about what inspires you?

Cultural parallels that persist in flanking mainstream culture are my lone source of inspiration. Divisive voices, that are often heralded for their honesty act as a rudder in defining a pathway for the work to follow.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

Funding. Motility. Neurodiversity.

Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.

There is no typical day – I'm either handling client work with one hand whilst my mind's eye ponders the cavalcade of dancing possibilities somewhere less financially viable. Or, I'm turning those aforementioned musings into a conflicting road map of contradictions that neither align nor play ball with the initial intentions from which they were born. Energy levels define where on this pathway I find myself at any point of the day.

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

Many. But I don't like to define materials, these combine in the thinking and manifest as they need to across time.

What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?

There are two bodies of work underway, both will remain under wraps until they find an appropriate milestone to frame themselves. The first is entitled 'Hollowing A Whale', set to be released in 2022.

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

Often your own drivers for making are all that ensure there is reason to continue, so it is so important to have outside input like ArtConnect to plug you into new audiences – for that I am entirely grateful.

Anything else you want to add?

Anyone who wants to chew the fat, get in touch. My studio is an open door for new dialogue, it would be my pleasure to host your opinions for a time.

See more of Alastair’s work

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