AS IS | Jiří Mayer

Artist

From Brno

Based in Brno, Czechia

Meet incredible Jiří Mayer, whose work is characterized by playfulness, strikingly unapologetic infantility, and may confuse an inexperienced observer! We were shocked and excited. What is the author like?

A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you into art?

J: I was born in 1990. I've been living and working in Brno for the past couple of years. The urge to draw and create has been with me since my childhood; from experimenting with music and graffiti I eventually found my way to the art I make now, although that didn't happen until later in life - I began painting on canvas around the age of eighteen.

A: What inspires you the most?

J: There's no one source of inspiration for me. It comes to me by itself.

A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?

J: I wouldn't say they help me, but I do have a habit of drinking coffee while smoking. The moment of a wait before the paint dries when I get to enjoy my coffee with a cigarette in my hand, is something I cherish and is a ritual of sorts.

A: What would you recommend to someone who's new to art (an artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?

J: It's important to keep creating and not let anyone's opinions - including mine - override your own.

A: Your top 3 adjectives related to art?

J: Acrylic/oil, on, canvas.

A: Your favorite Czech artists?

J: I have many across generations. If I had to pick a contemporary of mine whose work I'd love to put on my wall, it would be Václav Stratil whose pieces I find entertaining and fascinating.

Photo credit: Tomás Škoda

A: What piece of art do you think embodies the Czech national spirit and culture? Why?

J: I'm sure many people have such work in mind, but I don't.

A: What is the best way to start a conversation about art?

J: Usually at exhibitions and openings either of my own works or other artists'. It's interesting to hear different opinions on the pieces from the visitors or people from the industry. Debates with my fellow artists are generally centered around one thing - what are you currently working on, what can we look forward to?

A: Where can we meet you?

J: Most often you can find me in my studio where I spend most of my time.

A: Please, share your favorite quote or thought (not necessarily related to art)

J: "Anyone can be an artist." - Joseph Beuys

Thank you!

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