Luca Curci talks with Sabu Sabu during CONSCIOUSNESS, second appointment of ANIMA MUNDI 2024 which took place in Venice, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

SaBU SaBu is a Hong Kong-based visual artist whose work explores the intersection of art, nature, and environmental consciousness. Driven by a desire to raise awareness about environmental protection, she incorporates recycled materials into her diverse artistic practice. SaBU SaBu’s “Phantom” series, inspired by the duality of art and science, encourages viewers to engage with her work from multiple perspectives. By blurring the line between two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, she invites audiences to see the world anew. As an active member of the arts community, SaBU SaBu shares her creativity and expertise as a volunteer art tutor and the President of the Creative Visual Arts Association. Her artistic journey is a testament to her passion for handcrafting her world and inspiring others to reconnect with the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Luca Curci: What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have any habits or rituals while you work?
Sabu Sabu: As I create my artwork, my mind is often filled with a sense of curiosity and a desire to experiment. I find great joy in the act of handcrafting and the process of discovery. When working, I try to enter a meditative state, allowing the materials and my intuition to guide me. I don’t have any strict rituals, but I do find that lighting a scented candle or listening to the waves (since my studio is right by the ocean) helps me achieve a focused, introspective state of mind.

LC: What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
SS: Born and raised in the vibrant, densely populated Hong Kong, I was deeply influenced by Asian and Western cultures, which have profoundly shaped my artistic sensibilities. Growing up, I was captivated by the juxtaposition of nature and man-made elements, as well as the ever-changing city and the rhythms of urban life. However, my travelling and immersing myself in diverse cultures around the world has influenced me the most. Witnessing how people express themselves creatively in different contexts has truly expanded and refined my own artistic vision and sensibilities.

LC: Did your style change over the years? In which way?
SS: Over the years, my artistic style has evolved, but themes of environmental consciousness remain constant. Initially drawn to traditional painting, I’ve become fascinated by collage and mixed media as my practice progressed and my work was infused with recycled materials. The blurring of two-dimensional and three-dimensional elements has become my signature, creating a sense of depth and tactility that invites viewers into a more immersive experience.

LC: Which is the role the artist plays in the society? And the contemporary art?
SS: I believe that the role of the artist in society is multifaceted. We have the power to inspire, to challenge, and to provoke. Through our work, we can shed light on pressing social and environmental issues, giving voice to the voiceless and encouraging critical thinking. In the realm of contemporary art, we are both reflectors and catalysts, mirroring the complexities of the human experience while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible, expanding the horizons of human expression and perception.

LC: What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
SS: The most challenging part of creating my artwork is often the initial stage. Turning an abstract thought or feeling into a visually interesting piece can be really tough. I try to stay open and responsive to the materials I use, letting them guide where the work goes. At the same time, I have to stay firm in my conceptual vision, making sure each piece clearly expresses the themes and ideas behind it.

LC: In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the exhibition’s theme?
SS: The “Phantom” series, I have presented in this exhibition is closely connected to the theme of CONSCIOUSNESS, as it explores the duality of art and science, the interplay of reality and illusion. Through the use of collage, homemade pigments, and recycled materials, I aim to create a sense of ambiguity and liminality, inviting the viewer to question the nature of what they perceive.

LC: Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
SS: The artworks in this exhibition are part of my ongoing “Phantom” series, which explores the relationship between art, science, and the natural world. By drawing inspiration from the quote “Art has a double face: of expression and illusion, just like science has a double face: the reality of error and the phantom of truth,” I want viewers to engage with these artworks in a multifaceted way, challenging the boundaries between what is tangible and what is fleeting. The “Phantom” series combines handmade pigments, collage elements, and recycled materials in a unique way. This creates a sense of depth and texture that invites the viewer to examine the work from different angles. The layering of materials and the interplay of light and shadow are meant to blur the line between two-dimensional and three-dimensional, challenging the viewer to consider what is real and what is an illusion.

LC: Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
SS: I’ve truly enjoyed cooperating with the ITSLIQUID team on this exhibition. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine passion for promoting contemporary art have made the experience a pleasure from start to finish. I want to express my special thanks to curator Luca Curci and project manager Giulia Tassi. Their dedication and passion for promoting contemporary art have made the entire experience a pleasure for me. I am honored to have my work included in this ITSLIQUID exhibition during the period of the 60th Venice Biennale, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my artistic vision with a wider audience thanks to their efforts.

LC: What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
SS: As for the ITSLIQUID Platform itself, I believe it plays a vital role in the contemporary art landscape by providing a global platform for artists to exhibit their work and connect with collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts. The team’s commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and fostering cross-cultural dialogues is truly admirable. I’m excited to see how the platform continues to evolve and support the growth of the art world.