Powerful colours caught my eye at first, an inherent liveliness is what made my dive deeper into Zula’s works. You can feel their inner heart beating, drawing you in, telling their story. They are powerful but at the same time open up space for vulnerability.
For the following I asked Zula if she wants to do an interview with me:
Luna Maluna Gri: Tell me a bit about yourself and your work.
Zula Tuvshinbat: My name is Zula. I’m a visual artist studying art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. I was born and grew up in Mongolia, and I’ve been living in Vienna since 2013. I use fabric and tufting as a medium and also love to create costumes and furniture.
LMG: How and why did you start creating art?
ZT: I’ve always wanted to be creative but didn’t know how to start. After I went to dressmaking school in Vienna, I applied to an art university, and ever since, I’ve been making art.
LMG: What role does creating art play for you?
ZT: The connection to myself. Art provides a great opportunity for me to connect with myself and express my feelings and thoughts.
LMG: What does your creating process look like?
ZT: My creative process is a bit of a mix, but it keeps things interesting. I’m always picking up ideas and vibes, sometimes without even trying. Then, I sketch out rough ideas before getting started. Some days, it’s all about experimenting, while other times, I have a clear idea of where I’m headed.
LMG: What inspires you?
ZT: My experience as a human being, interactions with others, the human body, animals, feelings, memories, emotions and desires.
LMG: What is your experience with the art world?
ZT: I’m all about creativity. I love expressing and admiring other people’s creative stuff, and I’m into all sorts of ways people express themselves. As an artist, I kind of feel like I’m outside the system, but also part of the art world.
LMG: Is there something you want to change about the art world? If yes, what and why?
ZT: I wish there were better support systems for up-and-coming artists and those from non-EU countries. It can be tough breaking into the art scene, especially when you’re just starting or dealing with visa stuff. More help with things like mentorship, grants, and networking would make a world of difference.
LMG: What do you think is/are the role/-s of artists and art in our society?
ZT: Artists serve as cultural innovators, storytellers, and critics, providing insights into the human experience and challenging societal norms. They inspire creativity, provoke thought, and foster empathy by offering alternative perspectives and interpretations of the world around us.
LMG: What artist/artists would you like to meet (dead or alive) and if you had one question what would you ask them?
ZT: One of my favorite artists is Florian Krewer and I would ask him about his artworks.
LMG: Is there something you want to achieve in your art life? Dreams? Future plans? Or projects you would like to do?
ZT: I wish to maintain consistency as an artist, regardless of circumstances, and continue creating art to explore my inner creativity.
LMG: Do you think there is something you can bring to this world through your work as an artist which you couldn’t in any other field of work?
ZT: I want to bring uniqueness, thats what I wish for.
Zula’s solo exhibition The weight of love is still on view at C.A. Contemporary until the 8th of June 2024.
Copyright to all photos and artworks: Zula Tuvshinbat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zula_tuvshinbat/
https://www.instagram.com/c.a.contemporary/
