Artist Interview: Mas Weeb

Mas Weeb is the first artist to work with us on our Digital Exhibition Program. His practice keeps a fluidity between two and three diminutional work looking into abstract concepts with a common theme of recycled and deconstructed materials. We asked him some questions to dive dive deeper into the mind of the artist.

In your artist statement you say you are interested in two and three dimensional works. Why is it important for you to keep a divers practice?

"I like to remain open to possibilities; I find working using a variety of approaches and mediums increases scope in terms of how potential ideas can be explored, helping to inform what mediums are most appropriate. I also have a desire to resist being overly reliant upon familiar techniques and enjoy approaching the creation of art from an experimental angle."

Predominantly in your sculptural work you use recycled materials. Why is it important for you to repurpose materials in your practice?

"Most, if not all things man-made, are unfortunately created at a cost to the environment and natural world, this obviously includes things artists make and the materials and processes used to make them.

For this reason I made a conscious decision to think of ways of addressing this fact in my practice and as a consequence, predominantly reuse found material in my sculptural work and often also recycle existing works.

As we head closer towards a point of uncertainty regarding our future and the future of the planet due to climate change, I feel it is important to consider ways of reducing my individual contribution to this issue."

From reading your writings about your collection “Liberare” you appear to be saying that the process of creating this works is more important that the final pieces itself. If this is true why do you believe it's important ?

"I see the process and the final piece intrinsically connected and therefore it is not necessarily of greater importance. I do believe it is important however to explain processes carried out in order to convey a meaning. The title ‘Liberare’ was chosen to loosely convey the act of liberating an object stuck in its present state, in this instance the painting, introducing new possibility for change, in the hope of encouraging people who view my work and consider the concept, to perhaps think about this idea and process philosophically."

Who are your biggest Influences in your practice? Such as Artist, Films or Literature?

"My current approach in making 3-D sculpture is inspired to some extent by the Land artists, such as Robert Smithson. Particularly, their ethos of making things out of materials found in an environment."

How do you as an artist stay in touch with your local arts community?

"I am fortunate enough to work in an art gallery at the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery and my job creates an opportunity to meet local artists, who are often involved in outreach programs in collaboration with the gallery.

Attending private views and previews at local exhibitions is also a good way to stay in touch. There is usually a healthy amount each month, so there’s something good to go and see."

Are there any art trends or movements that you directly follow?

"For my own practice, I generally tend to follow individual established or emerging artists I discover in the various exhibitions at work or through social media."