Interview with Pia Aydt

She aims to develop her own visual language that invites individual associations through a mix of synchronicity, contrast, concreteness, and openness.

When did you decide to become an artist?
It wasn’t a conscious decision, but rather a need and a search for a language in which I could translate all the impressions of life and understand myself better. Art evolved from playful expression as a child to more serious considerations as a profession. After a graphic design education, I finally had the opportunity to study fine arts, which gave me the courage to call myself an artist.

Currently, you are studying „Grafik – und Druckgrafik“ at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. Can you tell us something about it? What are your days like there?
The class specializes in drawing and printmaking, offering many printmaking workshops and opportunities. Although I focus on drawing during my studies, I often attend courses from different areas, but I especially value the lectures and „collective critique“ in which students of our class present their work for group discussions. Having a safe space to receive feedback and share thoughts is valuable to me, as I want to develop sensitivity towards others in my work. The secure and familial atmosphere within our class is essential for me.

Are there specific symbols or visual elements that you often use?
In my drawings, figures are always the starting point because they represent and evoke the most vivid emotions for me. These figures interact with each other and the spaces and objects around them, and my desire is to invite viewers into this interaction. I often incorporate fantasy elements or recurring objects, and I enjoy drawing simple objects from my surroundings. Currently, I also include patterns like stripes or other repetitive shapes to depict movement, spaces, light, and communicative aspects.

What are the main themes behind your work?
Art is a way for me to express undefined themes, emotions, and questions. It reflects my inner world and serves as a visual form of reflection. It often revolves around experiences, people who trigger something within me, social structures, and inner struggles.

Through art, I can reconcile an inner conflict that only finds resolution in artistic expression.

What makes you happy?
The feeling of development and change makes me happy, as well as finding a sense of belonging. Connecting with others is crucial for me, especially in social relationships. And of course, cats and other sweet things make me very happy.

There are several series in your works, which is the most important series right now?
Currently, I am particularly focused on a series of drawings in which I explore vibrant colors. It is heavily influenced by questions about the development and future of culture, and I find inspiration in the connection between the visual arts and pop culture.

What are your plans for 2023?
I would like to continue exploring the connection between fine arts and pop culture and investigate exciting interactions with other areas. Collaborations with other artists and areas of pop culture, for example, would be interesting. I want to absorb a lot of inspiration and delve into new series.

Pia Aydt – www.instagram.com/piaaydt/