Cultblender: Hernan Apablaza

Works by Hernan Apablaza

Hernan 2

 

Hernan 1

 

Hernan 3

 

Hernan 7

 

Hernan 4

 

Hernan 5

 

Hernan 6

 

Q&A with Hernan

We first noticed Hernans 'photo and ink' works on Flickr and invited him to join our CultBlender group. Not only did we find there was a constant qualtiy about his works that kept pulling us in, we found out there is a lot more to this Chilean artist than his drawing on photos works (not that there would be anything wrong with his work if there hadn't been...).

Q: Could you tell us something about the artist Hernan Apablaza? What lead to you becoming an artist?
A: In all honousty, I'm not sure what leaded me to become an artist. It is a process. I'm not good with words and sometimes I've got too many things on my head and I feel I need to take them away to get some peace. I guess that explains a lot about my artwork. I draw, paint,  make videos about what I see around me. My works are about my fears. About my monsters and ghosts.

Q: How does your creational process work?
A: When I start to work on a piece I try to read and study about it. The topics for my works usualy just show up in my head. I can't stop thinking about it untill I do something with it, like making a drawing of it.

Q: Are you ever out of ideas?
A: I always have ideas on my head. Sometimes they're just small ones that I draw here and there. But other times the ideas are larger and so I explore them more.

I like to register world around me, because I also like to take photos. That isn't serious work, but it helps me to remember what I saw when I'm working. Basically I can't live without making images. If those images are considered 'art' then I'm very happy about that.

Q:  Some of your work is very unsettling, perhaps even violent and agressive. Other works seem very caring and loving. There is softness to it. Does that reflect your character as well? Do you have those two opposite sides in your own character?
A: Do you think some look caring and loving? I'm sure they mostly look unsettling.

Q: Oops. It could be just my sick mind then...
A: As I said before; I have to take off all those things that I have in my head. That should give you a clue about what I do.

I think we all have a tender side, and a "dark" side. I don't have problems with exploring my own dark side. If I am happy and I'm having fun, then things are alright for me. you might see that in my works. If I'm not having fun then trying to make 'happy works' is a waste of time for me.

I don't feel confortable working with works about flowers or landscapes to be honest. I prefer to work with the city, with people or politics. Those things are  never peaceful.Q: You work with lots of different media? Drawing, painting, photography, film... Do you have a preference? Are you forming a specialism?A: I like to draw, with ink and charcoal, because I can do that everyday and anywhere, at home, at work, in the bus. So, drawing is compulsive. I like to work with video because I can add sound and movement to my work then.Q: Who are you own heroes or examples in the art world? Who inspires you and why?A: I do not have many heroes in my life, but there are few people with whom I would love to go out and drink a beer or two, talk and make jokes about life. Sadly. most of them died years ago or they live far away. If I have to make a list I guess it would include Rimbaud, Poe, Hyeronimus Bosch, Arcimboldo, Dix , Groz, Bala, Carra, Morrissey....Their minds seem to give me a good place to rest. I find peace in the things that they've done and created. 

Q: The final and ultimate question: Is there a message you want to send out as an artist?
A: Don't be afraid to open your eyes. There are great things behind the shadows on the street... and if you dont want to open. Well, here I am to show you what's over there!