Meet Susana Anaya, a Mexican contemporary artist whose mastery of physics and colours transcends the canvas. Based between her studios in Zurich and Mallorca, her artistry unfolds in immersive and multi-dimensional artworks, each infused with the depth of her soulfulness.
Through her labyrinthine compositions, she weaves layers of intense texture and vivid hues, echoing a harmonious synthesis of landscapes and cultural influences. With a pursuit to capture the mesmerising beauty of the natural environment, her creations transport viewers on a captivating journey through the realms of art and emotion.
Your artwork features beautiful vibrant colours, many of them uniquely created through your own experimentations with pigment colours. Can you share your process of selecting and blending these designs and colours?
My process for selecting and blending colours is rooted in experimentation and exploration. I draw inspiration from nature, emotions, and experiences, observing how light interacts with different surfaces and colours shift with the seasons. In my studio, I experiment with pigments and mediums, mixing and blending colours on my palette to create custom hues. I embrace happy accidents and unexpected discoveries, allowing colours to guide the direction of the artwork. Often, a particular combination or technique evokes a specific emotion or memory, adding deeper meaning to the piece.
Are there themes in your artwork that you find yourself always drawn to, and how has your experience with these themes, and also the audiences’ experience, evolved in recent years?
Exploring themes in my artwork has been a reflective journey. Certain motifs, like nature’s beauty, human connection, and the interplay of light and colour, consistently captivate me. These themes offer a familiar starting point for my creativity yet present ongoing challenges as I delve deeper into their complexities.
As I’ve continued to explore these themes, my understanding and expression of them have evolved. Each exploration brings new depth and nuance to my work, enriching my artistic perspective.
Similarly, the audience’s experience of these themes has evolved alongside my own exploration. As my art matures, viewers engage with these themes in increasingly nuanced ways, finding new layers of meaning and connection within my work.
Many of your pieces seem to reflect the blend of cultural influences that have been prominent in your life: Mexico, Switzerland, Mallorca, Germany. How have these places, individually and as a whole, shaped your artistic vision?
Yes, my artistic vision is definitely deeply shaped by the diverse cultural influences of Mexico, Switzerland, Mallorca and Germany. From the vibrant energy of Mexico’s folk art to Switzerland’s precision, Mallorca’s laid-back charm, and Germany’s avant-garde spirit, each place has left its mark on my canvas. Together, they contribute a unique blend of vibrant energy, precision, charm, and innovation, creating a dynamic tapestry of creativity that celebrates beauty and expression across cultures.
Your artwork has the distinction of hanging in many esteemed and luxurious venues. How does it feel to have your art on display in these and what do you think art brings to them?
Being given the opportunity to display my artworks in venues such as Bucherer Headquarters in Lucerne, YDF Living Concept in London’s Knightsbridge, Sonneberg and epoca restaurant in Zurich and the Elizabeth Arthotel, Ischgl, Austria , is incredibly gratifying. It validates my artistic vision and acknowledges the importance of art in these landmark settings.
Art brings depth, character, and identity to these spaces, sparking conversation and creating a vibrant atmosphere. It serves as a focal point for cultural exchange and dialogue, enriching the human experience and fostering a sense of connection within the community.
In essence, having my art showcased in these buildings is not only a personal milestone but also a contribution to the cultural fabric of the community. It enriches lives and inspires creativity, adding value to these landmark venues and enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
What is your favourite location where your artwork is showcased?
Probably one of my favourite locations would be the Elizabeth Arthotel in Ischgl. Its elegant atmosphere and dedication to fostering cultural experiences offer an ideal setting for my creations. It’s a place where guests from around the world can fully immerse themselves in art and creativity.
Mallorca is known for its vibrant arts scene, with the Gerhardt Braun Group Show considered one of the cultural highlights. How has being part of this celebrated show influenced your art, and the reception of your work there?
Being part of the Gerhardt Braun Group Show in Mallorca has influenced my art by providing me with a platform to showcase my work in a vibrant arts scene. It has motivated me to explore new ideas and techniques, inspired by the response and interaction with viewers. Additionally, being among other talented artists in the show has sparked creative exchanges and collaborations, further enriching my artistic journey. Witnessing the emotional impact of my art on viewers fills me with gratitude and humility, reaffirming the power of art to connect and inspire.
You will be featured in a group female exhibition in London’s HOFA Gallery this July. What does it mean to you to be part of this exhibition, and how do you think it contributes to highlighting the work of women in the art world?
Being part of the HOFA Gallery group female exhibition is an honour as it celebrates the creativity and talent of female artists while addressing the historic underrepresentation of women in the art world. It’s empowering to contribute to a platform that challenges existing norms and stereotypes, amplifying the voices of women in the arts. I’m grateful to Simonida, the gallery’s co-founder, for providing this opportunity and for her commitment to promoting female artists. Through her vision, she’s creating a space where our voices are heard and our artistry is celebrated.
Exhibiting your work in different locations must be an exciting opportunity to gain new perspectives and insight. What have you learnt from these diverse cultural experiences, and in what ways has it impacted your work or artistic vision?
Exhibiting my work in diverse locations has been a deeply enriching journey, shaping my artistic vision and offering fresh perspectives. Each cultural experience fuels my creativity and connects me with people from all walks of life. It’s a reminder of art’s universal power to unite us and evoke emotions across languages and cultures.
The lead image shows Susana Anaya, The Rise, The Light and the Fall of Darkness, 2023.
