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24.11.2011 Q&A with Alena Adamíková
Alena Adamíková graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava, where she studied in the Studio of painting and new media under the guidance of professor Daniel Fischer and in the Studio of graphic design, led by docent Stanislav Stankoci. She completed her PhD studies this year. Alena Adamíková focuses on the subtle oil paintings, especially on portraits. Her paintings were selected for the sem-ifinal of Strabag Artaward 2009 in Vienna and for the International Environmental Photography Competition 2002 in Singapore.graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and gained experience at Middlesex University London. He is focused on sculptures and space design as well as on cooperation with architects. His works are inspired by nature excel graceful organic shapes.
Q: What was the ultimate breakthrough moment in your career?
A: One of the first, most important turning points in my career was leaving for London after I finished university in 1997. It was all about the atmosphere, the variety of art in the galleries, the architecture of the city, the people and the incredible selection of books. Seeing Francis Bacon’s paintings or the early works of Luciano Freud in person strengthened my belief that pursuing painting and portraiture is the right choice. There was an Anish Kapoor exhibition in the Hayward Gallery that year. The cleanliness of the form, the limited colouring, the style and detail appealed to me greatly. Soon, I began to travel more and I spent a year in Singapore. There I saw the works of the contemporary Beijing painters, such as Zhang Yiaogang, Guo Jin, or the Japanese painter Yoshitomo Naru. These authors greatly differ from one another, but this kind of variety helps me fight routine and repetition.
A: I collect old photographs and book. In the past, I used to collect old bottles (empty ones, though) with distinct glassworks labels. I had to stop collecting these when I could no longer find place for them.
A: That’s very subjective, each of us views things differently. But for me, the rule of the thumb is that when the creation lacks humour, imagination or emotions, it’s no longer art.
