Through art, I began reflecting on my own experiences and encounters as a way of approaching larger questions to do with identity and representation. I see art personally as the bridge between conscious and subconscious, between what is real and not real. I express and balance my ego with it. Surrealism is like an escape room for me, a self-investigation of identity. I use it as a basic language; transliterate the noetic perceptions into explicit views.”
-VANLAWRENC
Evan Lawrence, or better known as VANLAWRENC is a visual artist based in Indonesia and is best known for his profound contemporary, and surreal digital images.
He is a self-taught artist who began to explore and turned his intricate feelings into a surreal vision and mixed with his ambiguous perspective on reality.
The artist has first been featured in our Issue 2, 2017. Now, we are taking a closer look on how Evan’s work has changed as well as what he has been currently be been busy with.
In your work, “Solipsism” what does the stairs and the shining ball of light represent?
" ‘Solipsism’ " is about selfishness; doubting everything but our existence. The ball represents us as human beings. The stair represents everything that we've been through.”
What brings inspiration to your work? How so?
It may sound cliché, but I get inspiration from everything, the usual things around me. Every situation, moment of my day has aspects that can be analyzed and become an excellent subject for my project.
The artist has recently exhibited his works at the Swiss Art Expo, Zürich, Switzerland and Postcard Salon, Berlin, Germany (2019) and on the same year, Evan was also a finalist at the Florence Contemporary Gallery . In 2020, his work was on the cover of Al-tiba9 Magazine along with an artist feature.
Does your opinion or thought on each of your work change through time?
Of course, I expand my perception, changing how I see every little thing that happens around me. And I try to infuse each piece of my work with my feelings, desires, and dreams of the moment.
What are you currently working on?
I recently released my debut EP. I started to learn electronic music after the pandemic happened. So maybe I will focus on my music for a while now.
Listen to the artist’s music here…
How has your work changed since we last had you featured ( Issue 2, 2017 )
At the beginning of 2018, right after the Fatamorgana series, I experimented with more vibrant colors. I did not feel comfortable to start because I always use matte colour in most of my previous works.
What’s integral to the work of an artist?
Every artist always has different stories. And I believe art can make a real contribution to a better world and greater positivity among people.
To learn more about the artist, please view or contact:
vanlawrenc@gmail.com