A top reviewed artist, Slasky’s digital art has been lauded by many, especially Artfinder customers, as “fit for a king.” His unique portraits are a vibrant clash between classic and contemporary with classical style and modern embellishments. He even includes some tattoos or graffiti on iconic paintings like the Mona Lisa.
And now, his one-of-a-kind artwork is prominently featured in a one-of-a-kind museum: the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Starting on July 15, his modern take on the revered Flemish painter Rembrandt was hung up for the Lang Leve Rembrandt at the renowned museum. We got the scoop on Slasky’s latest adventure and what this exhibit means to his unique art.
How did you come about doing this exhibit? Did the curators of the Rijksmuseum approach you and had you done work with them before?
Everything started by chance! I follow the Instagram account of Rijksmuseum and I read about this competition, Lang Leve Rembrandt. The mission was to create a work inspired by the master Rembrandt. I adore the Flemish painter and I had already reinterpreted his works, so I tried, but without pretensions, though, because the competition was very high with more than 9000 works from all over the world. Then being judged by a jury of top Rembrandt experts electrified me but at the same time terrified me!
What is the exhibit?
The show is called Lang Leve Rembrandt, a tribute to the great master for his birthday on July 15.
How will your artwork fit in among the exhibit? Will it be there permanently?
No, my work will be exhibited at the Rijksmuseum from June 15 to September 19. For me, it is a source of pride to be there even for a day since it is not often possible to exhibit in a museum.
Can you tell me about your artwork? What will it represent and will it be similar to your pieces on Artfinder?
The work represents a self-portrait of the artist and I have tried to carry Rembrandt to today in a fusion between classic and modern. In this collection, NeoUrbanClassic, present on Artfinder, I have explored our past incorporating it in our present, and that's what makes it so special to me.
What inspired the artwork?
I create by instinct, and when I saw the original self-portrait I didn't think much about what I had to do, I had it immediately clear in my mind. I saw the master as a contemporary street artist with a spray can in his hand and a written wall.
What does it mean to you to be featured in an exhibit at the Rijksmuseum?
It is a dream come true, only the thought that one of my works is exhibited in one of the most important museums in the world gives me the chills, then being welcomed at the Rembrandt home with a modern reinterpretation of one of his masterpieces takes my breath away. It is an experience that no one can take away from me and will always remain in my heart.
Do you hope to continue to do projects like this one?
Of course, it will be an integral part of my art, but I will not neglect other styles, because an artist has the obligation to explore to confront new challenges and not to remain in his comfort zone.
Cover image via Slasky
