Lucky 9
Nine is considered to be a lucky number in Chinese culture. 9 sounds eerily close to the Chinese word for ‘long-lasting’. Nine has strong associations to the Chinese dragon, a symbol of magical power. The circular altar platform of the Temple of Heaven has one circular marble plate in the centre, surrounded by a ring of 9 plates, then by a ring of 18 plates, and so on. Dutch artist SIT found his 9 inspiration in a very different place.
Hong Kong. A broken heart. Cheap whiskey. A lonely goldfish. Metamorphosis. All these elements came together one dark night to provide SIT with the inspiration for his 9 collection, a black- and gold-strewn mash of Chinese culture and peering goldfish.
SIT has been part of the Amsterdam creative scene for many years, doing action painting, graphic design and advertising. After an epiphany, he went back to square one to find his true essence, much like the golden moment that inspired 9.
fluoro interviewed SIT about his 9 collection, the influence of his design background on his art, and his connection to Asian culture.
We started by asking how his design and advertising background influences his work.
“With my paintings, I love to work in concepts. Once I figure out where I need to go to after finishing up an older series, I like to start fresh and explore the new concept. I also search for a certain look and feel. I present my work like I presented myself in advertising. One of the most important things that needs to be done when you want to step forward is wrapping up. This makes the difference and brings all the pieces together. That’s something I thank advertising for.”
But his advertising background took its toll on his creativity and his health. His eyes opened up to see advertising’s impact for what it was. He tried to avoid it, but “that’s hard when you get slapped in the face non-stop with screaming things around you”. He was already unhappy creative-wise in advertising, making stuff that he simply didn’t want to put in his portfolio.
One day, SIT just couldn’t go back to work, and was sick for a whole year. After that life-changing experience, he now does what he likes to do. He knew it was time to be a painter, like he wanted to when he was 12 years old.
“Telling my own story in my own way. That’s freedom for me.”
SIT finds his art is best explored through his mind alone, but that doesn’t mean that other artists don’t influence his work. On the contrary: he gathers much inspiration from the art and the artists around him. But in a way, SIT’s work stands stronger alone, where its power is undiluted and direct.
SIT’s creation of his 9 works heralded a new era in his own understanding of the world, and of himself. It brought out the more Asian part of his psyche. He has always felt a deep connection to Asian culture. When he visited Asia for the first time, he felt at home like he had never felt before.
“Spiritually, we can learn a lot from the Asian peoples and there is so much more to see if you open up. I started to open up with 9.”
SIT found balance with his 9 collection. But what are his plans for the future?
“I don’t make plans. The plans will come to me.”
