Interview with artist Alan Aine
Summary
An interview with artist Alan Aine
Haitian-American artist Alan Aine (pronounced Ah-Lan Eh-Ney) has a new mural up at 7th and Park. We caught up with him to ask him about his background and his practice. See our interview below (answers have been edited for brevity and clarity):
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I am a computer systems administrator and a self-taught figurative impressionistic artist. I’ve put more focus on expanding my art career by using street art as my marketing tool; to sell my fine art. I’ve literally turned a section of Bed-Stuy into my outdoor art gallery. Almost all of my street art pieces are done without permission. Most of the fine-art commissions are from neighbors and local Brooklynites. I create, stretch, frame, pack, and ship all on my own because doing so adds exhilaration to the art spirit within me. I don’t work with galleries and hope to one day have my own gallery or museum. I am lucky to use funds generated from my IT career to support my art career. Nonetheless, the struggle and hustle are real.
Are you from Haiti? If so, how long have you been in New York?
I was born in America. I am Haitian-American. My art is human art; global. I lived in Brighton Beach from 2008-2010, then Prospect Heights in 2012, and finally settled in Bed-Stuy in 2013. I’ve been there ever since.
How did you get into art?
I was always an artist, ever since I was a young boy. A natural talent.
Who or what are some of your Influences? – Both early on / starting out and if they’ve evolved as you’ve gotten older?
I try not to follow other artists. I like my unique style. I am influenced by the human connection. I would say that the anthropologist spirit within me is a great influence. Honestly, my family is very unique. I am the youngest of four very unique individuals who influenced me greatly. From their actions I observed, and learned. My mom is a Goddess and my dad is a God, to say the least. I am grateful.
What are some central themes? You seem to do a lot of portraits, is there a reason you are drawn to painting people?
I tend to focus on figures, specifically portraits. I’ve always done so.
Is that corner, 7th and Park, significant to you? And if so, why?
I often survey the neighborhoods in Brooklyn to find high-traffic areas or bus routes to guarantee the most exposure.
You can follow him on instagram: @alanaine
Or his website: alanaine.com