Born and raised in New Zealand, **[Alana Tsui](https://www.cohart.com/alanatsui/profile)** now lives between New York City and Bali, specializing in mural painting and NFTs. With 12+ years of experience in painting murals for various types of businesses globally, Alana is merging real life art with the NFT community.

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##### Can you describe your artistic process? 

As a mural artist, my artistic process begins with understanding the space, its purpose, and the story it aims to tell. It's essential to ensure the client's requests align with my artistic style from the start, allowing me to create artwork that best brings their vision to life and also enhances brand awareness.

Once we’re on the same page, I like to visit the site in person (if it’s local) to feel the energy of the space, get an overall vibe, and gain a better understanding of the layout, which cannot be fully conveyed through photos or videos. 

Next, I start the sketching process, often creating renderings by drawing directly on photos of the wall with the discussed design concept for approval. This helps the client visualize the design as closely as possible to the finished product before the execution of the mural.

##### What materials and techniques do you typically use?

Materials and techniques vary depending on the environment and the surface of the wall. When painting on an interior wall, I often use a projector, which is a highly time-efficient method for transferring the sketch onto the wall. My style of art involves intricate, fluid line work, which is best executed using paintbrushes and high-quality interior wall paint.

For exterior walls where a projector cannot be used due to bright sunlight or a lack of power outlets, I do the grid method or freehand sketching to transfer the design onto the surface. When painting on brick or metal rolling gates, spray paint is often a better option than paintbrushes. This impacts the level of detail in the design, which is carefully considered and adjusted during the initial design process.

##### What message or emotion do you hope to convey through your art?

My work is rooted in the belief that art has the ability to uplift the energy of spaces, inspire, heal, and create connections that transcend words. Creating from a flow state, I often draw inspiration from nature and spirituality in an organic way to bring beauty and harmony, inviting viewers into a meditative experience allowing them to find new perspectives with every glance at my art, acting as a bridge that not only connects them to the piece but also to a larger sense of interconnectedness.

##### What role does spontaneity versus planning play in your creative process?

Depending on the design, if the artwork has a lot of abstract flowy patterns (which is my signature style), then I create from a flow state as I paint. Nevertheless, I still sketch out an overall vibe of the patterns but inform them that once painted, the details may evolve organically as I work, allowing the piece to take on its own life and energy.

##### Can you discuss a piece that challenged you both technically and conceptually?

My most challenging piece was a [5-meter (almost 2 stories) tall exterior mural of a pair of symmetrical wings](https://www.alanatsui.com/portfolio-collections/my-portfolio/the-mercury-hotel-and-serviced-apartment). I was flown to Hong Kong and had 3 days to execute it, but during those 3 days, a typhoon hit, so I had to paint with a plastic cover over me and the boom lift. This limited my ability to step back and assess the alignment and proportion of the design as I painted. It wasn’t until the unveiling of the mural in front of the press and client that I was able to see the entire painting. That was extremely nerve-wracking, as I didn’t know how well it was proportioned or whether the symmetry was intact. To my relief, it turned out perfectly even and visually cohesive. 

Other than that, I do not have any specific projects that have challenged me conceptually, as there is always a creative way to design and work around it. I find this very fun and exciting, especially when it pushes me to grow beyond my usual ideas and scope of work.

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##### Can you share a specific project or piece that holds special significance for you? Why is it important?

My commissioned [large-scale painting for HSBC Headquarters in Hudson Yards in New York City](https://www.alanatsui.com/portfolio-collections/collaborations/hsbc-headquarters) marks a great milestone in my career, not only because it was for such a high-profile client and establishment, but also because it marked my transition from a mural artist to creating a fine-art piece on canvas, which is the direction I want to further grow and develop in. 

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##### How important is the exhibition space to the presentation of your work? Do you adapt your pieces for different venues or spaces?

The exhibition space plays a crucial role in the presentation of my work. The environment can significantly influence how my artwork is perceived, both in terms of scale and interaction. Each space has its own energy and character, and I aim to create an immersive experience that harmonizes with that atmosphere.

I always adapt my pieces for different venues or spaces to ensure my work resonates with the environment by modifying the design, colors, materials, or composition to integrate each piece seamlessly.


##### Do you incorporate any cultural or historical references into your work?

Nothing too intentional or dominant, but my style of art has been influenced and developed over the years by my cultural background growing up in New Zealand and my Chinese heritage. This influence is seen through some of my tribal/Pacific Island-style patterns and Chinese calligraphy-like brushstrokes.

##### How do you handle feedback on your work?

I love getting constructive feedback on my work and approach it with an open mind, carefully considering the insights shared as it provides fresh perspectives and helps me grow as an artist.

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Alana Tsui creates immersive contemporary mural art that transforms and uplifts the energy of spaces.

Spotlight: Alana Tsui on The Challenges and Triumphs of Public Art

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