40.7128° N, 74.0060° W
‘New York was always a goal for me.’
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Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Ian Strange is a multidisciplinary artist who is now based in Brooklyn, New York. His work has been displayed in galleries from Australia and New Zealand, to Poland and the USA.
Well-known for his monumental 'Suburban Intervention' projects, which use suburban houses as a canvas to explore the theme of home, his work was covered in a documentary, Home: The Art of Ian Strange. We spoke to him about how a new home in the USA has influenced his work, and some of his personal favorites in New York City and Brooklyn.
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On where you’re from
On your current neighbourhood
On why you chose Greenpoint
I originally moved to Williamsburg but was priced out. I like being around peers and community — all of my friends all ended up in LES, Greenpoint and Bushwick, so that’s where I gravitated to.
Large scale artworks 'Harvard Street' and 'Corrinne Terrace' by Ian Strange
On why you moved to America
New York was always a goal for me. Most of the creatives I grew up admiring came from or spend time here.
On whether your perception of NYC changed living there
Absolutely. It’s also a city of villages and tribes, so all I can really speak about is my tiny corner.
‘Moving to the US gave me perspective on my upbringing and Australia overall. That was when I started thinking about home and how that could be a part of my work.’
On current projects
On the best thing about living abroad
That I can be nimble and let my work dictate where I am.
On the theme of home in your work
Large scale artwork 'Number Twelve' and Ian Strange on location in Akron Ohio, USA. Photo credit: Jedda Andrews
On New York feeling like home
Not really. I still travel half of the year for projects and exhibitions.
On creativity and life abroad
Regardless of where you are, I think a local support network is important. Being around peers who push you to be better and keep you sane. If you can’t find that at home, I would recommend looking for it.
On where you go for creative inspiration
Museums and to the cinema. The Whitney is my absolute favorite.
‘New York was always a goal for me. Most of the creatives I grew up admiring came from or spend time here.’
On one thing to do when you first move to New York
Go out drinking and meet people. The first eight months is the best time for meeting new people and building a community around you.
On a must-know
On finding a place to live
Facebook groups or friends of friends are always a good start.
On something to be prepared for
Photographic works 'Shadow' and 'Lake Road' by Ian Strange
On a must-have item for you
On visas for people with creative backgrounds
On favorite galleries
On good food
On good drinks
On good coffee
On your favourite place to be
On New York in one word
Cold.
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