To coincide with his solo exhibition Nyctophilia, which runs until 1 August 2015, we sat down with artist Ben Ali Ong to talk about surrealism, Daido Moriyama and the importance of always carrying a camera...
Ben Ali Ong_Nyctophilia 2_2015
Describe
your work in 100 words or less.
I am
predominantly a photo media based artist, although I have produced works using
video and mixed media. Choosing to work mainly in black and white, my
brooding photographs are noted for their use of dream-like imagery. Dark,
grainy vistas are layered against blurry, distorted objects, animals and
figures, creating a disjointed and surreal narrative.
Preferring
the artworks to speak for themselves, I present them in a manner that allows
the viewer to construct their own meanings and interpretations, in order to
achieve a state of self-reflection. This idea is woven through my work, which
is also inspired by Surrealist film and writing. I am interested in the notion
of the artwork being an open-ended fragment with multiple arrangements, and its
potential to convey a subconscious or spiritual source.
Why Art?
Art is my
creative outlet. Some people play an instrument, or write a poem. I take
photographs.
How has your artistic practice changed
over time?
I have learnt
to be more honest and confident with myself in
regards to the creative process, as well as how I discuss my work. There is a
trend that stems from art schools to over complicate things. Artists are
expected to create a grand theme to justify their artworks in an attempt to
give it significance. You could say this is conceptual or intellectual art, and
although that is a legitimate style, it is not representative of ALL of the
creative process. I am against the notion that all art practice has to fall
into this category. It has taken me awhile to accept that this is not the way I
work - not because I think simplicity is a virtue, but because complexity for
it’s own sake is a bore.
Ben Ali Ong_Nyctophilia 1_2015
Which Artistic movements or artists do
you most identify with?
I have always
looked to the work of Daido Moriyama. In the last several years I have also
been very influenced by the French Photographer Antoine D’Agata. The artistic
movement I most identify with is Surrealism.
How do you work? Can you tell us about your
process?
I try to
carry a camera of some sort with me all the time. I like to make photographs
over a specific time period and when I have accumulated a decent amount I will
look over it all and try and find a connection. Ideas develop from there and I
may get ideas for specific individual works to make to complete the story or
body of work. I keep it all pretty loose like that. I have tried to force it in
the past and it doesn’t work for me. It does for some people but I can’t do
that. It just happens or it doesn’t’.
If your
work was a…
Smell... it would be wood.
Meal... it would be something simple but nourishing.
Ben Ali Ong_Nyctophilia 14_2015
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