52.3676° N, 4.9041° E
‘I can often bookmark where my approach has shifted as a result of my environment.’
P<AUSSINGH<KARAN<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Artist Karan Singh has racked up some impressive flier miles over the years. Born in New Delhi, he grew up in Oman and Australia, while his professional career has seen him based in New York, Malmö, Tokyo and now Amsterdam.
Known for his bold and vibrant work, his creativity is just as eclectic as both an exhibiting artist and in his collaborations with clients including Instagram, Apple, Airbnb, Nike and OK go. We spoke to Karan about creative culture, adjusting from a Japanese to Dutch work ethic, and a few inside tips for life in Amsterdam.
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On where you’re from
I was born in New Delhi then raised in Muscat, Oman, before resettling in Sydney just before high school.
On why you moved to Amsterdam
Aside from the abundance of cheese and stroopwafels, we were drawn to it because it’s a small, walkable city. The majority of Dutch people speak English, which helped us settle in relatively quickly, and it’s also home to a major airport, which means we can travel home or around Europe fairly effortlessly.
On what neighborhood you’re in
We’re currently in Oud West. It’s a quiet little oasis a short ride from the main center, with lots of nice food and drink.
On the best dutch phrase you’ve heard
‘Helaas pinda kaas’, which is the Dutch equivalent of ‘too bad’ or ‘c’est la vie’. It’s my favorite not only because the literal English translation is ‘Unfortunately, peanut cheese’, but because the Dutch call peanut butter peanut cheese.
Collaboration for latest OK Go music video, 'Obsession'
On current projects
I’m really excited to share an upcoming project with the Nike for a project in Korea. It was a challenge and I learned so many new skills along the way — those are always the most memorable.
On who inspires you in culture right now
Solange and Colin Kaepernick.
'It's something that happens slowly and subconsciously but looking back I can often bookmark where my approach has shifted as a result of my environment.'
On your most recent flight
London to Amsterdam
On the best thing about life abroad
Every day is an adventure, and the most innocuous aspects of day-to-day life become the most memorable.
On how new cultures influence your work
It’s had a pretty big impact. It’s so much more than visual stimulus, too. I’ve found that cultures, history, locals’ disposition, and also the location’s effect on your mindset play a big factor. It’s something that happens slowly and subconsciously, but looking back I can often bookmark where my approach has shifted as a result of my environment.
Artwork for Nike Air Vapor Max European launch
On life in Dutch culture
In my experience, I’ve found Dutch people are just as friendly and laid-back as Australians. Sometimes they’re described as blunt, but I’m beginning to appreciate it’s all in the spirit of honesty and efficiency. They may also love the sun a little bit more because they get less of it.
On Amsterdam’s creative community
The interesting thing about the Dutch directness is that it lays the foundations for a pretty honest and open dialogue about the industry.
On whether you would recommend life abroad
Definitely, and not just for creatives. I think living abroad helps you develop a better perspective of the world around you. It makes you more aware and attuned to the nuances of people by learning about their culture and discourse. You develop an indispensable sensitivity and appreciation for the world and the people, and realise we’re all cut from the same cloth and want the same things.
On creative inspiration
I really enjoy visiting galleries and museums. I think there’s something really precious about the act of simply walking around a space and learning about others’ work. I think amidst all the distractions, even the act of visiting these quiet spaces is pretty therapeutic.
‘One thing I'm still adapting to is shifting from a Japanese work ethic to a Dutch one. The Dutch appreciate a healthy work-life balance so adapting the same disciplines used in your work to your downtime is a nice habit to develop.’
On your creative process
It’s pretty flexible, as every project and team is different. I really enjoy working together with agencies or design teams to discuss an idea and see how we could push things further. Personally, the conceptual side is the most enjoyable and it’s nice to have time to sketch and let an idea marinate and evolve.
On something people should do when they arrive
Explore the city on foot, ideally not in a bike lane. They don’t like that. Better still, buy a bike.
On finding a place to live
Lots of places seem to change hands through friends of friends before even reaching real estate sites, so try and make some connections before you arrive. Amsterdam is a growing city with a limited amount of accommodation — finding a place is a rite of passage which lots of expats are happy to trade stories on.
On advice for creative people moving to Amsterdam
One thing I’m still adapting to is shifting from a Japanese work ethic to a Dutch one. The Dutch appreciate a healthy work-life balance, so adapting the same disciplines used in your work to your downtime is a nice habit to develop.
Above: Artwork created for IMAX Melbourne. Below: Artwork for The Tokyoiter Project featuring artists living in Japan.
On VISAs
The freelance model is pretty common here — a lot of my local friends may have full-time jobs but still operate as contractors on a long-term basis. The entrepreneurial/self-employed visa aligns with this approach pretty well.
On a favorite artist
On good food
Couki is a little tantanmen shop in our old neighborhood of Kyodo in Tokyo.
On a favorite gallery
Chichu Art Museum in Naoshima, Japan.
On a good store
Right now I’m loving Tenue de Nîmes here in Amsterdam.
On a favorite place to be
Dimly lit places with familiar faces.
On good coffee
Scandinavian Embassy in Amsterdam, Café Kitsuné in Tokyo, City of Saints or La Colombe in NY.
On something from Australia you need to find a fix of in Amsterdam
I think Australia does the best breakfasts. The tastiest alternative I’ve found locally is The Avocado Show. The food not only looks stunning but tastes great too.
On Amsterdam in one word
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