10 Questions with Anna Lilli Garai
Born and raised in Hungary, art has always been a central part of her life, nurtured by a family that valued creativity. Her academic journey led her to study film at university, where she deepened her understanding of visual concepts and art history. After graduation, she felt a strong pull towards digital art forms and abstract painting, finding these mediums to be powerful avenues for self-expression. Art continues to be a fundamental aspect of her daily life, drawing her in like a magnetic force. She enjoys experimenting playfully while reflecting deeply on life, using art to express herself and find personal peace.
Anna Lilli Garai - Portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
In her art, she focuses on capturing profound emotions and memories using a blend of soft watercolor techniques, digital art, and dynamic contrasts with geometric shapes. Through this combination, she aims to highlight the shared experiences that connect humans, celebrating the intricate beauty and complexity of interconnected lives. Her goal is to create art that resonates deeply with viewers, inviting them to reflect on universal themes of human existence from her unique perspective. She explores the depths of human interactions, crafting visual narratives that unravel the complexities and richness of collective human experience. Each piece is a personal exploration of life's nuances and the emotional landscapes that shape us.
Muse, Digital Print, 50x50 cm, 2024 © Anna Lilli Garai
INTERVIEW
First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. What inspired you to become an artist, and how did your journey begin?
In my family, artistic expression was a natural form of communication. Art was a part of our everyday life, and finding the right medium to express ourselves was encouraged. As a child, I tried various art forms—music, drawing, painting, and even fashion design. Eventually, I chose to study film at university, thinking it would help me expand my understanding of moving images while still allowing me to explore "still images." That path led me to where I am today, constantly looking for new ways to express myself and connect with others through art.
How did studying film at university shape your approach to visual concepts and art history?
Studying film at university had a big impact on me. It broadened my perspective on how visual storytelling can convey complex emotions and ideas. During my studies, I delved into different aspects of art, like art history, production design, writing, and editing. These experiences expanded my view of the world and improved my creative approach. The technical skills I gained have been beneficial, especially as I've moved into digital art. Thanks to these foundations, I've been able to easily adapt to new creative tools, allowing me to blend traditional and digital techniques.
Rendezvous, Digital Print, 50x50 cm, 2024 © Anna Lilli Garai
What drew you towards digital art and abstract painting after your studies, and how do these mediums allow you to express yourself?
After finishing my studies, I was naturally drawn to digital art and abstract painting because they offered so many possibilities to explore. The digital space and abstract art gave me a nostalgic feeling, much like the one I experienced as a child playing around with endless creative options.
Tools like the iPad and pencil became essential, allowing me to refine my artistic voice. Although these tools don't fully capture the tactile experience of physical painting, they still help me deeply reflect on my creative process. Over the years, I've kept experimenting, constantly learning, and incorporating what resonates with me into my work.
Can you describe your process when blending watercolor techniques with digital art and geometric shapes in your work?
My process involves finding a balance between spontaneity and structure. I often start with soft watercolor techniques, letting their fluidity create an emotional base for my work. Then, I move into the digital space, layering geometric shapes to bring in order and contrast. This mix allows me to explore the dualities in life—the unpredictable nature of emotions against the structured frameworks we create around them. Influences like Bauhaus, Art Deco, and mid-century modern often come through in the geometric elements of my work.
Your art often explores profound emotions and memories. How do you decide which emotions or memories to capture in your pieces?
The emotions and memories I capture usually come naturally from moments of reflection that have made a lasting impact on me. Working within a collection helps me dive deeper into these feelings, allowing me to present not just individual moments but a broader thought process that runs through the pieces. In earlier works, like the "Dog at the Table" series, I focused on exploring personality and human-like traits in a distinctive way.
Resonance, Digital Print, 50x50 cm, 2024 © Anna Lilli Garai
Reverie, Digital Print, 50x50 cm, 2024 © Anna Lilli Garai
How do you use the contrast between soft watercolors and dynamic geometric shapes to convey themes of interconnected human experiences?
The contrast between soft watercolors and dynamic geometric shapes in my work reflects the different aspects of the human experience. Watercolors, with their softness and unpredictability, symbolize the fluid nature of our emotions, while the geometric shapes represent the structures we use to navigate those feelings. This approach invites viewers to engage with the complexities of human connection, and my goal is to create art that speaks to the shared experiences that bring us together.
What do you hope viewers take away from your work, particularly regarding the themes of human existence and interconnectedness?
I hope viewers find a sense of introspection in my work. My goal is to create pieces that resonate emotionally, encouraging people to reflect on their own experiences and the ways in which we are all interconnected.
Are there any new artistic techniques or mediums you are excited to explore in the near future?
I'm increasingly drawn to stepping out of the digital art world to explore more hands-on mediums. There's something deeply satisfying about creating without digital constraints, and I'm excited to see how this shift influences my work. I'm exploring gouache techniques and challenging myself to create collections of only original paintings.
Wave, Digital Print, 50x50 cm, 2024 © Anna Lilli Garai
What upcoming projects or themes are you currently working on that you'd like to share with us?
I'm still working on my series titled "Bodies," which delves into exploring the human form. I'm experimenting with creating original artworks for the series using different techniques. This phase of my artistic journey is exciting as I continue to push my boundaries.
And lastly, where do you see yourself and your work in five years from now?
While I've only exhibited fine art prints so far, I hope to eventually hold a solo exhibition where I can present my work in a more immersive way. I'm also open to collaborating with other artists and working on different creative projects. I'm not someone who plans too far ahead—I usually have multiple ideas running in parallel, and I let what naturally evolves guide me. My biggest hope is that in five years, I'll still have this passion for creating, always finding new subjects to explore, and keeping the creative spark alive.
Artist’s Talk
Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.
