Interview
Angelique Genevieve Demont
Angelique (aka SubQtaneous) is a 29-year-old South African artist/illustrator who creates ‘dark art’ using pen and ink. She is also a game narrative designer.
Angelique currently lives in China.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I've been drawing, making sculptures and creating digital artwork pretty much since I could first pick up a pencil. I chose design and art in school as some of my main disciplines. In high school, I was awarded a bursary by the Ron Belling Art Gallery in my hometown. I chose to study fashion design and worked on several projects related to fashion. After that I got the itch to travel, so I decided to teach ESL in China. During this time, I continued to look for opportunities to be involved in art and design, and I took part in exhibitions and fashion shows.
I searched for a creative position for a while. Today, I am a narrative designer at a gaming company where I write game narratives, design characters and environments, as well as work with a team of creatives to create art deliverables. In my spare time, I also work on my personal art projects and continue to develop my Redbubble online store.”
What inspires you most?
“I am inspired by the desire to define the nature of consciousness. I consider art to be the best possible evidence of a greater source of intelligence, beyond just the individual. I see it as my duty to look past the veil of physicality, and draw from sources beyond my comprehension to create images that will push the average viewer past the seat of comfort.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The work I am most excited about is very dark in its theme, presentation and subject matter. I’m currently working on a series of art illustrations that re-imagine classic works about Dante's Inferno. My aim is to link the classical look of religious works to a modern psychedelic aesthetic.
The underlying intention of the works is to confront people with the idea of hell, and question their relationship with this concept. Is hell really a realm that one will go to after death, or is it something that we experience in life based on our choices and internal states of being? What kinds of choices may lead to hell? Are these warnings and boundaries true in their effects within our lives or afterlife? Is there really a one-size-fits-all approach for all of humanity to do or not do in order to receive the kingdom of heaven? Or is this actually up to the individual to decide what may or may not be heaven or hell for them?
These are the kinds of self reflections I hope to inspire in those who view my work. Even if it causes a great sense of discomfort, I believe these to be some of the most important themes that humanity has not yet come to a consensus on.”
“We must protect the artist in today's society, now more than ever. When the artist is no longer afforded the right to express without limitations, then you should know your society has already failed you. The artist is a canary in a coal mine.”
How would you describe your work?
“I consider my work to be static portals into realms of consciousness. I don’t believe that the images I create are strictly from my imagination. I believe them to be a conduit of information from a source of collective consciousness, for which I am the conductor.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I’m influenced by those artists who push the envelope beyond just a desire to participate in a societal structure. For that reason, artists such as Marilyn Manson, Slipknot, Korn and Tool have been significant in inspiring me to choose my own path. Besides that, I am inspired by Wayne Barlowe. I really hope to meet him and get the chance to have a discussion with him one day. I am also inspired by the works of Alex Grey.”
What is your creative process like?
“I start off with written research and then collect a variety of supplementary images, effectively building both academic and visual knowledge of the content. I then use a sketchbook to create loose sketches which are then used to collage the work into a composition. Once the composition is set up, I complete the final sketch, using pen and ink to finalize the line and form. Lastly, I use alcohol markers and gel pen to develop color and highlights.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The artist’s role in society is that of a mirror. I have noticed most people—and even myself—lack greater perspective and understanding from a higher source. It is the artist’s role to act as a conductor of higher consciousness for the enrichment of humanity as a whole. Artists have a heightened sense of awareness, and we use that to depict art that we ourselves do not completely understand.
True artists feel compelled to create. This compulsion goes beyond logical sense in most cases, leading to many artists feeling extremely displaced, not having the answers that most would ask. ‘Why do you keep doing this weird stuff? You are strange. You are not like the others. You are an outcast. Your art makes me feel uncomfortable. Your art makes me feel, and I work very hard not to do that!’ These are common notions for which artists are demonized in many parts of society.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have exhibited in The Ron Belling Art Gallery in Port Elizabeth. Most recently, I took part in several independent art collectives in Chengdu, China, including one at the Usunhome Art Gallery. Most of my works, life and exhibitions can be viewed through my Instagram.”
