 |
| Bear with It, archival pigment ink, 40 x 42 inches, edition of 12, $2500 |
Artist Statement
In Meditations, Zilberberg creates animal montages as an expression of self-therapy. As
an urbanite, functioning day-to-day in a fast-paced, built environment
can be emotionally unsettling. The artist re-grounds herself in the sense
of calm issued by these animals. These creatures reinstate a presence, a
tranquility, and a grander perspective. The works are an amalgam of
many photographs from different locations around the world, put together
seamlessly by the artist in post-production. Their minimal aesthetic is
metaphorical of striving for simplicity. Rather than ruminating on the
past, or hypothesizing the future, Zilberberg’s works invite a
meditative state, encouraging the viewer to stay still and find
happiness in the moment.
Interview
Patricia Martin: How were you first exposed to art-making?
AZ: My practice is a multi-step process that starts with research and generating ideas. I typically have a strong idea of what I want an image to look like before I start making it. I then photograph the different parts needed to construct it. I often travel to other countries to capture different parts, like the backgrounds. I then construct the image digitally and marry the montaged parts with elements of coloring, toning, and manipulation. The digital aspect could take a few weeks — or even months.
I spend a lot of time on each image, so the amount of digital work creates the style. I attempt to achieve an almost painterly effect by making my surfaces perfect. I dive into the details and don’t stop until it’s on par with the quality I’m looking for.
 |
| Be Here Bison, archival pigment print, 40 x 34 inches, edition of 10, $2200 |
AZ: These works are a continuation of my relationship with nature and the importance I place on awareness and conservation. The animals are placed in scenes where they do not originally belong — this speaks to the actual displacement happening to wildlife around the globe. Using different terrains from around the world also points to this being a global issue that affects everyone. Furthermore, I speak about mindfulness in my work to emphasize the benefit of human connection to nature, and in hopes of motivating conservation.
 |
| Calm Caribou, archival pigment print, 42 x 40 inches, edition of 12, $2500 |
AZ: I always have a clear idea of what I like when it comes to backgrounds. My style usually calls for clean backgrounds, such as deserts and beaches. I do my research ahead of time and go where is needed to find the right terrain.
AZ: I have many sources of inspiration. My ideas can come from anything that crosses my mind. I am always trying to think of new ideas and continue learning. I’m continually motivated to create because I’m full of ideas that I feel the need to express.
