With his latest series Vanguard, German artist Alpay Efe has returned to take a contemporary look at age old still lifes. Blending classic oil painting techniques alongside modern implements like paint rollers, squeegees and masking tape, Alpay Efe breathes new life…into still lifes with the latest in his ongoing series Vanguard V. Painstakingly painted over the course of a few weeks, this new edition is oversized with each print uniquely hand-embellished by Alpay Efe. Read on as Alpay Efe gives us the lowdown on his latest work, his burgeoning YouTube channel and more…
1xRUN: Was this image part of a recent theme, series or show that you had? If so how did it fit into that given grouping?
Alpay Efe: This painting is part of a series of still lifes called “Vanguard.” It is my way of bringing the genre on flower still lifes, that hasn’t aged too well, into the 21st century by interpreting it in a modern and contemporary way.
1x: When was this piece drawn and created and what materials were used?
Efe: The series started in 2018, but this one is from 2019 and one of the most recent. The original painting is on heavy cotton canvas, with oil paints combining various painting techniques using modern tools like paint rollers, squeegees and masking tape.
1x: How long does each of these images take to create from start to finish?
Efe: Painting these still lifes take quite some time since I never know what the end point will be when I start painting. I also work in many layers which means long drying times between painting sessions. For those reasons finishing one of these can sometimes take up to 8 weeks, but if everything goes well I’m able to finish one in 3-4.
1x: Why should people buy this one of these prints?
Efe: I mean look at it, it’s not only absolutely stunning, but also something very limited and special.
1x: Describe this image in one gut reaction word.
Efe: Contemporary.
Vanguard V – Hand-Embellished Edition by Alpay Efe
1x: It’s been a bit since our last release with you, what have you been up to? Any recent exhibitions or projects ?
Efe: It’s been a few crazy months. I had a solo Show in late 2018 and after that, I immediately started work on various pieces for all the Group shows in 2019… like Spoke Arts annual Moleskine show, which was a ton of fun this year.
I also started a Youtube channel which has been incredibly fun and satisfying. Exploring art through a new medium and communicating with people in a different way has been one of the most inspiring things recently.
1x: What are some of the ways you’ve been trying to push yourself with your latest work?
Efe: I’m currently trying to get myself to be more daring in my work… in every way. Be it subject matter, color or technique. I’m not getting younger and life’s too short to always do things the same way.
1x: What are some of the strides you feel like you’ve made over the last year?
Efe: I think that I’ve become a much more relaxed and mature Artist… even more than before. I’m learning to not be so hard to myself, things go wrong and usually things never go the way you want. But that’s ok .. that’s life. No need to loose any sleep over these things.
1x: Any artists new or old inspiring you lately?
Efe: Always Monet…
1x: What was the last piece of art that you bought?
Efe: I think that has to be a print from the talented Matheus Urbanowitz.
1x: Any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?
Efe: Yes,Youtube… Follow me at Youtube.com/AlpayEfe… I’ve got some great content coming up!
1xRUN: Where are all the places people find you?
Alpay Efe: Website – Facebook @AlpayEfeART – Youtube @AlpayEfe – Instagram @alpay_efe
-1xRUN