Adrian Halpern is an artist obsessed with the unseen. Mysticism and spirituality form the basis of sprawling visual meditations for the artist, resulting in chaotic compositions of form and colour. We caught some time with him to talk about his upcoming exhibition ‘Metapores’ and reflect on what it all means.
How did you get into printing/illustration?
As a child, going to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, my eyeballs always moved continuously through the Sumi-e brush paintings. The woodblock prints of Samurais and beautiful line strokes of form, flow and composition of landscape prints and paintings caught my interest. I had a ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ expression when I first became friends with the contour line. When I would go to the library, I would check out books on sacred places, weird oddities and ancient civilizations. The illustrations I saw in these books of stone carvings and massive land images seen from the sky gave me knowledge that these tribes all over the Earth felt there was a need to create something Universal. It felt right to be connected to something mysterious or hidden from our culture such as shamanistic rituals, crop circles, alchemy, and mind altering natural medicines. All of which were interesting to me at a very young age. I also owe my artistic compassion to Jim Henson’s creativity.
How would you describe your creative process?
Creating is definitely therapeutic and a form of alternative medicine. The sketchbook is my Artists’ heart. All my silkscreen print images derive from visions that are drawn into this thin block of paper. I just bug out and have freedom with my lines that changes the way I (or possibly you) think as an individual when the final vision is created. Process to me is exciting, when a black light pops above my head, it does not dim until the final mark and my breath speaks at the same time. Instinctively or from the unknown, a new bulb color emits and I start anew. My new series of work is slowly teaching me more about color, layering, and working spontaneously and painterly when I silk-screen print. Currently, I am intertwining my detailed ink drawings with my prints. I am not rushing this new path of creation, integrity and flow.
Why the unknown and unexplained? Where does your fascination lie within mysticism?
At a young age I felt there was more than meets the eye. I watched shows like The Twilight Zone and read books on telekinesis, weird people and Voodoo. It was the unexplainable I was connected with – I felt I was not from here or at least from this time. Or, maybe I was just a little weirdo that believed in ghosts and ancient humans that used the sun as lasers to carve into large stone. Though, I did have an active imagination, I was very interested on what was beyond our universe or what was hidden underneath our feet. My grandfather saw a UFO in Argentina where he is from, I saw and felt a UFO in Colorado flying above me in some sort of cloud mass. That connection is meaningful to me. The mystical part of it as an artist is the need and want to translate that into modern hieroglyphs. There is a vast amount of lost information in our world that I feel the past may hold a key for our future.
Have you ever been a man of faith? Did you have a religious upbringing?
Yes, I am faithful with my friendships, honesty in my creations, and certain ethics (besides cursing a lot!). Organized religion is something I have never felt connected with. I am Jewish and I love being brought up with great morals and our history. Luckily, I was not brought up with a strict religious upbringing. The highest moment of my teachings for me was to learn and read Hebrew out of the Torah. I have always been keen on Buddhism, Oceanic cultures, Indian (Native), African, and South American tribes. There is some integration of Judaism into my art but spliced with ancient alien civilizations theories. I feel that experiencing Nature is calming and reflective more than sitting in a square.
What were your childhood drawings like?
I would have to say sidewalk chalk drawings were my favorite. Chalk to kids is like knitting for grannies. My parents enrolled me in art classes all the time to get my paws glued. My favorite memory is when my parents and I were at a hobby and arts store. I found a bin with illustrated patches to sew onto your clothes. I felt a creative spark to make my parents something. So I loaded my pockets with them. When I got home, I glued the patches onto paper and gave one to my dad and one to my mom. I got into a little trouble for stealing but I remember how proud I was at age 5 to make two colorful collages.
Should your audience be able to immediately understand your art?
That depends on the individual. I enjoy when the viewer studies my drawings and prints with questions or with silence. However, a person may just be fixated on the form, technique or colors rather than the meaning of the piece. It also varies on experience in life and what he or she is connected too. My work is growing and becoming more figurative. Each piece is connecting with each other in a storyboard manner. As an artist, my decryption of what I do remains a mystery. I question myself all the time as a Visionary but in order to really feel what I love to do, I have to let go and to not always understand.
What was it like going to a performing arts high school?
I went to a performing arts high school for the last two years before I went to college. School definitely was not for me but luckily I had an outlet to draw and find out what I was into. I was able to meet people with similar interest that introduced me to older artists, DJ’s, musicians/producers, graffiti writers and Bboys that I still know and vibe with today.
Was your work well received in college?
College was more of a mental challenge for me. I felt contained because I did not want to flow the way the teachers wanted me to. However, bits and pieces of these art exercises did shine at times. My final piece was a 3 1/2 ft. x 12 ft. detailed ink drawing I titled ‘Leviathan’. The drawing gave me a lot of respect but honestly I was out to battle.
Aside from producing art, what are your other hobbies?
I enjoy cooking even if it’s a new way to make a sandwich! Watching movies, hanging with friends and seeing or hearing what they are creating. Once in a while I travel. I suggest going to Italy and traveling down to Positano. The food and the millions of stairs were amazing.
The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City has provided you with some funding for your upcoming exhibition at Old Souls Tattoo Parlour and Gallery. How much does the realization of your work revolve around grants and the appreciation/support of others?
I knew going into this show, I had to promote and prepare in a humble, tactful way. There are a lot of people out there that support the arts and I wanted to put my art out there in a positive way. I applied for a grant though ArtsKC and they have awarded me kindly. I have been emailing everyone including art blogs, art and culture magazines and galleries around the world. I have also rented a billboard of my design that will go up the week before my show to promote Old Souls and my art. My friends, family and local establishments are really supportive of my show and that is an awesome drive for me right now. This art show will bring different people together but it will also connect and reconnect artists, musicians, art lovers, young and old, etc in full circle. Each one, teach one.
It is clear that you do have an international following but have never exhibited outside of the states. Do you plan to do so in the future?
Absolutely, I would enjoy working outside the states. I am open to all forms of creative life right now. I would love to be part of collective thinkers and Mystics. With my own art, I am very interested in pattern design for clothing, bedspreads, suits and silk materials. I just have to find that branch to swing onto. I have faith it will happen.
Are you excited about exhibiting in a tattoo parlour?
Having my show at Old Souls Tattoo Parlour and Gallery is an honor. I have known Noah Moore the owner of Old Souls for some time now. Working with someone who is on point with everything is a breath of fresh air.
Do you have any tattoos of your own?
I do not have any ink work done at this time. A tattoo to me is like body armor or an intimate art piece. If I were to get work done it would be collaboration between Noah Moore, Mark Galloway and possibly my art.
What are your thoughts on the recent popularization of tattoos?
I look at tattoos like how people buy artwork. Some are stunning while others lose themselves in their own canvas. But, ‘Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder’. I have one book on the Horiyoshi family that I enjoy. Maori tattoos are amazing as well. My friend Mark Galloway hips me to tattoo books now and then that makes me want to better myself in drawing.
Would you ever be interested in becoming a tattoo artist?
When I was little here was my dream job list:
1. Artist
2. Work with The Muppets
3. Mutant abilities
4. Dinosaur catcher
5. Video game player
6. Tattoo Artist
Old souls tattoo parlour and gallery hold a strong focus on their ability to contribute to the art community. As an artist, do you think this is one of your own responsibilities or does your work purely self-indulgent?
That is a great question. I know I am not self-indulgent, my ego isn’t that big. I always trade information that someone may need as a contact or art job I cannot get into. I have taught younger kids art in summer programs before and participated in kid’s workshops teaching them techniques on drawing with chalk on the cement. Teaching is a part of who I am but at the moment I have to focus on my business as an artist. I have many ideas I want to create for younger cool cats that would involve a lot of grant writing and heart. I know someday I will be able to generate that level of thought.
Any shout outs or final thoughts?
I would like to say thanks to ACCLAIM and shout outs to…
Old Soul Tattoo
Steak Mob
Noah Moore
Peyton Scott Russell
Windhorse
Gear
Brett Millard
Jkr70
Symbol Heavy
Scribes Walk
Peace!!!
Adrian Halpern