Victor Wei’s mind-bending art on now at the Akin Vitrine Gallery
Victor Wei (@victorsywei)
This summer, the Akin Vitrine Gallery presents a new installation by artist Victor Wei (@victorsywei). Visible from the street, the work invites passersbys to witness the paintings 24/7. On view from August 1 to September 27 at 1747 St. Clair Ave. W. Be sure to check it out!
Victor SY Wei is a Akin Richmond-Bathurst member who works primarily in acrylic paint and has a background in 3D/Visual effects. Their installation runs from August 1st to Sep 27th. These pieces are based on his recent works in the last year exploring geometric shapes that speak about other dimensions.
We caught up with Victor to learn more about his exhibition and art practice.
Victor Wei’s Akin Richmond-Bathurst studio. Image credit: Marilyn Braun @braun_marilyn
Akin: What are you curious about right now?
Victor Wei: “I’m curious about where the world is heading. It seems like we are having very big shifts in the world with the duality of progression in tech and human consciousness. I’m interested in incorporating more of my 3D background into paintings and visual installations.”
Akin: Tell us a bit about your Vitrine Exhibition (e.g. themes, materials, inspiration)
VW: “This installation looks to illustrate the 4th and 5th dimensions. The primary focus is the paintings which acts as a map or maze that represents a segment in time frozen in place; and all the possibilities within it. The additional elements are expansions of the painting looking to explore the organic/geometric separately but ties as an installation like the painting. The geometric shapes represent possible outcomes like destinations. The lines act as routes that can be taken, and the organic form represents the conscious being inhabiting and exploring the space.”
Akin: Do you have studio routines or rituals? What gets you in a creative mood?
VW: “I normally paint at night after work. Usually zoning out to some indie music or podcast while sipping on some tea. And sometimes just stare at a canvas for a while till the shapes and lines start speaking to me.”
Akin: What inspires you? Why?
VW: “Artists, such as M.C Escher, Victor Vasarely have been big inspirations. I love the way their art changes our perceptions and messes with our heads. The incorporation of math into art has also been very fascinating to me. The architecture of the city also has played a big part in my practice. I find that Toronto has a good range and variety of architecture. Their unique shapes and design gives me a lot of creative ideas. I am also quite drawn to 90/2000s sci-fi aesthetics. The nostalgia provides many inspirations for the organic characters/colour choices and composition of the paintings.”
Akin: What does your Akin studio mean to you? What brought you to Akin?
VW: “Akin has provided me a space separate from work and everything else that goes in my life. It's grounded me in a safe haven where I feel comfortable to explore these worlds in my imagination. I joined Akin after hearing about it through word of mouth from many local artists/friends/teachers and after attending Crit night and making some friends at the open house. I've always loved the vibe of people I met who already had a studio there, so it was a no-brainer for me when I needed a space.”
Akin: What advice would you tell your younger self about creating art? What have you learned?
VW: “Make art for yourself and keep painting without the fear of judgement. Look at more art and learn about other people's practice. Find a good mentor, or mentors! I've found that in my earlier years I never committed enough to making my own art. Most of it, I've stopped after making a couple pieces in the same series. Part of it was not believing in myself fully and worrying about whether people will like my art. I've only more recently learned to fully create for myself.
Learn more about Victor’s work @victorsywei
