06 september 2022, Oscar van Gelderen
The studio of... Moataz Alqaissy
What does the ideal studio look like? How much time does an artist spend in his studio? Is it a sacred place? In the series 'The Artist’s Studio' this week: Moataz Alqaissy, whose first solo exhibition is on view at Geukens & De Vil in Antwerp, till October 1st.
Do you visit your studio every day?
I usually go to my studio 4 to 6 times a week, depending on what I want to do and whether I have to prepare for an exhibition. I always think I do need to increase the time that I spend there a little more. During the summer or right before an exhibition I tend to there a little less – either due to an expo preparation or to holidays – which makes me extremely eager to go back and spend more time there after the show or vacation.
What time do you leave for your studio, and how: on foot, by bicycle, public transport or car?
In most cases, I wake up, have my coffee, sit a little bit and think about what I want to do today. To walk is the best way to start my day in the studio, because it prepares me mentally and physically. I don’t have a bicycle; I like to walk and Antwerp is a small city, very walkable and pedestrian friendly. I like to work in the afternoon. It’s the best time for me and usually I stay until a relatively late hour, like midnight or 1AM – then I walk back home. Not every time of course, sometimes I leave a little earlier, especially when I have finished some works and think it’s time to leave with some sense of accomplishment that motivates me to work harder the next day.
Do you hold on to certain rituals in your studio? Music or silence?
I listen to music and podcasts. I like to listen to different kind of music, depending on my mood and whether it has to some extent a relation with the work that I’m making. I listen to classical music: Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms and Wagner, in fact all giants of Western classical music. And I like listening to everything from Nirvana to The Beatles and from Pink Floyd to soft ballads – as I said: it depends on my mood. I'm a big fan of rock, alternative and classical music, but I get bored quickly and I like to listen to something new constantly. I like to listen to podcasts about artists and art, in order to increase my knowledge. In addition to that, artists practice and work ethics are crucial topics in order to create and to keep going. I’m interested in that, in order to teach myself new healthy habits as far as my practice is concerned.
Moataz Alqaissy "In A Daze" 2022
How important is light to you?
As a painter I would say that it is extremely important or crucial to have proper light. I have no preference regarding day light or artificial light. I don’t have a problem working with artificial lights, which is the case in my studio right now, but ideally I would like to have both options of course.
What does your work process look like? Do you work everywhere and all the time or does work only commence the moment you enter your studio?
I prepare everything before I go to the studio. As I sketch or research, I constantly think about what and how I’m going to achieve a certain idea. But when I get in the studio I stop that and focus solely on the process. Changing into my working clothes puts me in that mode. The process is uninterrupted. It involves a lot of materials and nuances.
Moataz Alqaissy "Sandstorm" 2020
How much time do you spend on average per day in your studio?
On average, I spend around eight hours per day in the studio. Sometimes I go there for just one or two hours, to sit and look, trying to digest and calibrate.
Is your studio a sacred place?
It isn’t to me. It is a sublime thing; it looks chaotic, but to me it is not chaotic at all. I like to work on the floor, therefore my materials, canvases and basically everything is on the floor but I can always find them, they are within arm’s reach. I think it is the most wonderful place I have ever had. It is my favorite place on earth.
Moataz Alqaissy "Untitled" 2022
Do you receive visitors there, collectors, curators and fellow artists?
Yes, I do, in fact. I really like it when people visit me there. So everyone is welcome!
What is the most beautiful studio you have ever seen?
I haven’t seen the most beautiful studio in reality yet but, but I do like my own studio and if I want to rank a few: some well-known artists like Tal R, Sterling Ruby and Jenny Saville have amazing studios – I would like to have a studio like that one day. Most importantly, your studio should match your practice and mentality.
What does the ideal studio look like?
It could be small or big that depends on how you feel and your needs. I don’t have a simple answer to that question. The energy is important, but you need it to be practical and equipped with everything you need, so you go there and do not leave until your working day is over.
