Andrew Conway-Hyde on Inspiration from Iconic Artists

Critic: Good afternoon, Andrew! It’s a pleasure to be here, diving into your inspirations from influential artists like Ad Reinhardt, Barnett Newman, Donald Judd, Ben Nicholson, and Jackson Pollock.

Andrew Conway-Hyde: Good afternoon! I’m excited to discuss how these artists have shaped my artistic journey and continue to inspire my work.

Critic: Let’s start with Ad Reinhardt. What aspects of his work resonate with you, particularly in the realm of abstraction?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: Reinhardt’s commitment to simplicity and his exploration of colour through his “black” paintings are incredibly compelling. He believed that art should be an experience rather than a representation. His work invites viewers to engage deeply with subtle variations in colour and texture, challenging them to find meaning beyond traditional forms. This notion of art as a profound experience is something I strive to incorporate into my own creations.

Critic: That’s a profound takeaway! Moving on to Barnett Newman, how do you interpret his concept of the “zip,” and how does it influence your work?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: Newman’s “zip” is a powerful element that creates rhythm and movement within a composition. It serves as a visual anchor, guiding the viewer’s eye across the canvas. I find inspiration in this idea, as I often use lines in my work to create pathways for exploration. The way Newman used the zip to convey emotional intensity aligns with my desire to evoke feelings through structured yet dynamic elements.

Critic: Fascinating! Donald Judd is known for his minimalist approach. How does his perspective on form and space influence your artistic practice?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: Judd’s work emphasizes the importance of physical space and the relationship between the object and its environment. His focus on clarity and precision inspires me to think critically about the forms I create and how they interact with the viewer’s space. I appreciate how his work encourages a dialogue between the artwork and its surroundings, which is something I aim to achieve in my own pieces.

Critic: I can see how that would inform your approach! Ben Nicholson’s layering and texture are also notable. How do you interpret his influence on your use of color and form?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: Nicholson’s ability to layer colors and create depth through texture is something I find incredibly inspiring. His work invites viewers to engage with the subtleties of color, much like I strive to do in my own art. By layering paint and exploring different materials, I aim to create a tactile experience that engages the senses and encourages viewers to discover the nuances within the piece.

Critic: That’s a beautiful connection! And then we have Jackson Pollock, whose action painting is so dynamic. How does his philosophy of spontaneity and movement resonate with your work?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: Pollock’s approach to painting as an action is exhilarating. His emphasis on the physical act of creation allows emotion and energy to flow into the artwork. I draw inspiration from this spontaneity and often incorporate a sense of movement in my own pieces. I believe that allowing intuition to guide the creative process can lead to unexpected and powerful results, much like Pollock’s work.

Critic: That’s a great synthesis of ideas! How do you balance the influence of these iconic artists with your own unique voice as an artist?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: It’s a delicate balance. I deeply respect the philosophies and techniques of these artists, but I also recognize the importance of personal expression. I use their work as a foundation to explore my own ideas, allowing their influence to inform my practice while ensuring that my own sensibilities and experiences shine through.

Critic: Can you describe a specific piece that embodies this blend of inspiration from these artists and your own artistic voice?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: One piece that exemplifies this blend is titled “Resonance in Layers.” In this work, I’ve employed layering techniques reminiscent of Nicholson, combined with the structural lines inspired by Newman. The piece evokes a sense of movement akin to Pollock’s action painting, creating a dynamic interplay of color and form. It embodies the conversation between the influences of these artists and my personal exploration of abstraction.

Critic: “Resonance in Layers” sounds captivating! Lastly, how do you see the legacy of these artists shaping the future of abstract art?

Andrew Conway-Hyde: The legacy of these artists is monumental. They’ve paved the way for future generations to explore abstraction with courage and innovation. As artists continue to reinterpret their ideas through contemporary lenses—incorporating new technologies and materials—I believe the future of abstract art will be even more expansive and engaging, inviting diverse interpretations and emotional connections.

Critic: Thank you, Andrew! This has been a captivating discussion about your inspirations from these iconic artists and how they influence your work. I look forward to seeing how your artistic journey unfolds.

Andrew Conway-Hyde: Thank you! I’ve enjoyed sharing my insights, and I’m excited to continue exploring the boundaries of abstract art!