Interview
Oto Kandera
Oto is an artist and former band member from Slovakia who works in the film industry. Though he spends his days creating artwork for video games and films, he likes to switch it up at home and work on traditional portraits.
His celebrity portraits are a fun series of his favorite band members that pay homage to his love of music.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was always a creative soul with my mind buried in thought. In elementary school, my math teacher hated me because my notes were full of drawings instead of numbers. I started to think about my art more seriously when I was 18, and that’s when I decided to study graphic design at the Academy of Arts in Banská Bystrica (Slovakia). I was trained in conceptual art, so I learned how to think about art more deeply. My art was mostly about political, social and global problems, inspired no doubt by my favorite artist, Banksy.
But honestly, conceptual art was not my goal. I had always wanted to create concept art for video games and the film industry, which is actually my current job and I love it. I worked on environments for Hollywood films.
When I finished college, I had to move to Prague because of my job. When I was there, I discovered a desire to sign with a music band because I love music. I can’t imagine life without it. I made great friends in music, we played covers of metalcore and numetal bands and after that, we started to create our own music. But then I got a great career opportunity, so I left Prague and moved to the UK.
Now I am back home in Slovakia as a freelance CG artist and I miss the time I spent with my band. I will never be a musician because I’m too old to start a new career. So instead, I started to paint a series of my favorite members of music bands. It helps me keep my connection to music alive.”
“My work is a way for me to express my love for music. I will never be a musician because I’m too old to start a new career. So instead, I paint my favorite members of music bands.”
What does your work aim to say?
“I paint for myself as a way for me to express my love for music. I feel nostalgic about not being in the band anymore, so this is the next best way for me to keep that connection to music in my life. ”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“Because of my work, the artists I keep up with are all in the film and video game industry. But thinking about what art means to me, I’m a big fan of street art because it shines a light on current social issues. And the streets are the best place because they’re already full of people, so the work is displayed to the largest audience possible.”
What does your art mean to you?
“I cant live without my art. It’s my purpose for existence. Why are we here if we can’t do what we’re strongest at?”
What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?
“I don’t need much- just canvas and black & white color bottles. And of course, good music is a must!”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“Hm, tough question. I don’t think I can pick just one. Every piece of art is different and says something special, so I can’t compare across themes.”
Website: Oto Kandera
Instagram: @otokandera
