IN CONVERSATION…
To start with, we won’t have an issue with pronouns. Where does the name come from and why the anonymity?
The decision to keep my identity a secret as Day-z stems from a combination of personal, artistic, and societal factors.
In a world where personal information is increasingly accessible and privacy is often compromised anonymity allows me to truly focus on my art without the influence of ego or external pressures. When my identity is not attached to my work, I can explore my creativity more freely, experiment with different styles, and convey my messages without any preconceived notions or expectations based on who I am as an individual. It grants me the freedom to communicate and connect with a wider audience. People from all walks of life can relate to and interpret my art without being influenced by my background or personality. Moreover, I’m drawn to the element of mystery and intrigue that comes with being anonymous. It adds an extra layer of curiosity and excitement to my work. By focusing on the art itself rather than the artist, the audience is encouraged to explore their own emotions and thoughts
The name Day-z came about when my brother was tackling the Herculean task of pronouncing my real name. Let’s just say, he took creative liberties that would make Shakespeare proud. Somewhere in the midst of linguistic acrobatics, ‘Day-z’ emerged. Now, in the grand tradition of nicknames, ‘Day-z’ became the rockstar alias I never knew I needed. So, here’s to my brother – the unsung hero behind the name, with a sprinkle of mispronunciation magic and a dash of sibling ingenuity, ‘Day-z’ came to life. A name that’s both a hilarious memory and a badge of honor.
2. I see where you’re coming from and completely appreciate that art should be enjoyed for its beauty regardless of who does it. Have you ever found that anonymity has hindered you in any way? We’re living in a time where podcasts, video interviews, and the artists is essentially part of the ‘product’ – which is exactly what you’ve been trying to avoid. Do you think this has potentially affected sales?
2. Your work often concentrates on re-envisaging popular paintings or elements of pop culture. Lately, there seems to be a bias toward current global events which can be quite harrowing, like your work, ’ there’s no place like home’ These things clearly affect you. Can you elaborate more on this?
My artistic journey has always been about taking familiar images and giving them a twist – it’s like remixing the classics with a modern beat. And lately, I’ve been delving into more profound and sometimes sobering subjects like current global events.
“There’s no place like home” is a prime example. It’s a riff on the iconic phrase from ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ but with a poignant twist. It’s not just a nod to pop culture, but a reflection of the profound sense of displacement and yearning for stability that many people are experiencing in these uncertain times. The art becomes a conversation starter, a visual dialogue about the human experience.
As an artist, I’ve found solace in translating these emotions into visual narratives. It’s like turning my canvas into a mirror that reflects back the complexities of our world.
In a world where we’re inundated with information and news, art has the power to distill these overwhelming emotions into something more tangible, more relatable. It’s not about dwelling solely on the darkness, but about shining a light on it, examining it, and perhaps finding a bit of hope or connection in the midst of it all.
My art becomes a way to channel those feelings into a creative outlet. It’s like a visual diary that captures the zeitgeist, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and engage in a conversation that goes beyond words.
CONVERSATION IN PROGRESS….
