[Hoods Melbourne] Artist Profile: Mysterious Al
On July 22nd, the Fuel Magazine x FXD x Holden art project HOODS will take place in Collingwood, Melbourne. Ten talented Australian artists will be showing their work on ten Holden bonnets. Here's an introduction to one of the artists, Melbourne based Mysterious Al.
How would you describe your art?
I paint portraits based on abstract tribal masks. I try to keep my work as loose and fun as possible, and see how simply I can covey emotion and character in a piece.
Who/what are your influences?
I love ancient artifacts in museums, especially carved witch-doctor masks and Bwa masks. The artists who influence me is an ever-changing list, but right now it's Matisse, Todd James, Cain Caser and Revok.
How do you go about planning a project?
I start all my paintings with a small collage. Then I scale it up and paint it. Making a collage is fast and spontaneous and has an energy that I can't get in just a painting.
What have you been working on recently?
My Sydney show 'it's all love' has been my most ambitious work to date.
What attracted you to the HOODS project?
Painting objects is fun, especially when they're completely out of context.
Follow Al: @mysteriousal.