Interview with Adam Handler
Adam Handler - Interview
Adam Handler (New York, 1986) is an artist who uses acrylic paint, oil sticks, pencils, and markers in his works. He challenges the traditional ways of depicting reality in art by embracing a playful and youthful approach. It encourages us to reconsider how we see and understand the world around us. Through vibrant colors and two-dimensional drawings, Handler portrays everyday moments with a touch of humor, deliberately altering the shapes and sizes of his subjects to create a unique visual experience.
Vroom & Varossieau is delighted to announce an upcoming collaboration with Adam Handler. More information will come soon.
Recently we had a conversation with him about his artistic practice, his interest in ghosts and future projects.
V&V: Hello Adam! How are you and what are your upcoming projects?
AH: Hey! Lovely to chat with you guys :) I have some really exciting projects coming up…mostly in Asia for 2024. I am currently preparing for my first Museum exhibition at Iris Art Realm Museum located in Suzhou, China. The show will be curated by my representing gallery in China, Caelis Galeria and the Iris Art Realm. I have also been working on several larger sculptural projects and collaborations with various brands.
V&V: Where does your inspiration come from?
AH: My works are mostly inspired from deep meaningful relationships, my internal thoughts, past memories and fantasies. I tend to think of my work as a massive chalkboard for me to attempt and “figure things out”.
Adam Handler, Skull buddy and ghost in rainbow flower field, 132 x 160 cm, Oil stick and acrylic on canvas,2022
V&V: Do you prefer working from your imagination or from observation?
AH: My work tends to be an interpretation of observation. I feel my working process is to observe, allow the experience to brew in my mind for a bit and then the reimagined observation is spewed on the canvas.
V&V: Ghosts are a fascinating and enduring aspect of folklore and popular culture. They are often depicted as the spirits or souls of deceased individuals that linger in the earthly realm rather than moving on to the afterlife. Your work is often inhabited by friendly and smily spirits. What are they trying to communicate?
AH: I always had a fascination with ghost stories, UFO’s and “the unknown”. The first ghost paintings were started about 12 years ago when I was in my late 20’s. I was experiencing a lot of anxiety around death and from that struggle the ghost works were born. It’s interesting how that symbol has evolved for me, now being older and having a family….it’s more of a symbol to live life and take nothing for granted as life is a very rare gift.
V&V: Another notable feature of your creatures is that they each possess big eyes. What do they see? Does a real character serve as a source of inspiration?
AH: I call them “my girl” paintings. However they are all inspired by one girl, “my Kelly”…my wife. I was 19 studying Life Drawing in Italy and on my program was a girl that, after one stare I knew I wanted to marry…18 years later she still inspires me.
Adam Handler, Seoul Nocturne Ghost Abduction, Oil on Canvas, 76 x 76 cm , 2023
V&V: Your work was shown in Bejing, Taiwan, Shanghai…and you will soon participate to KIAF in Seoul, South Korea. How has your artistic practice been received in Asia?
AH: Asia has been very supportive of my work. KIAF was wonderful and I am headed to Seoul in a few weeks for the opening of my solo exhibition at Gallery JJ.
V&V: Do you have a dream project?
AH: I really want to create a large public work. To me it is the highest form of communication an artist could ask for.