Creative Spotlight: Chris Baas
Chris Baas, current artist-in-residence at NeueHouse, originally had plans to be an architect. “Towards the end of studying architecture, I started to find it frustrating because it is so heavily dependent on digital tasks. I wanted to be more physical and really explore materials.” Currently on display at NeueHouse Madison Square, Hollywood, and Venice Beach, his works are minimalist and multi-dimensional, a deliberate rebellion against the flatness of screens and the speed of daily life. The artist discusses his journey into fine art, gathering inspiration, and the difference between working in New York and LA.
NeueJournal:
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in visual art? What was it like for you to transition out of architecture?
NeueJournal:
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in visual art? What was it like for you to transition out of architecture?
Chris Baas:
Towards the end of studying architecture, I started to find it frustrating because it is so heavily dependent on digital tasks. I wanted to be more physical and really explore materials. At that time I really saw myself pivoting into fashion school, but after I moved from SF to NYC, I began working in art fabrication which really shifted my mind set. Then I started to become more invested in the idea of being an artist.
Towards the end of studying architecture, I started to find it frustrating because it is so heavily dependent on digital tasks. I wanted to be more physical and really explore materials. At that time I really saw myself pivoting into fashion school, but after I moved from SF to NYC, I began working in art fabrication which really shifted my mind set. Then I started to become more invested in the idea of being an artist.
NeueJournal:
Your body of work hinges on a balance between abstraction and figuration, with artworks that exist somewhere between painting and sculpture. Can you talk a little bit about the genesis of these forms?
Your body of work hinges on a balance between abstraction and figuration, with artworks that exist somewhere between painting and sculpture. Can you talk a little bit about the genesis of these forms?
Chris Baas:
When I first started making art after studying architecture, I was passionate about exploring how to manipulate textiles and embed structure into soft materials, and my interest in fashion fostered a curiosity with material and the human form. What began as a fashion design experiment ended up displayed around stretcher bars rather than physical bodies. The abstract human form began to find its way in the sculptures naturally over time.
When I first started making art after studying architecture, I was passionate about exploring how to manipulate textiles and embed structure into soft materials, and my interest in fashion fostered a curiosity with material and the human form. What began as a fashion design experiment ended up displayed around stretcher bars rather than physical bodies. The abstract human form began to find its way in the sculptures naturally over time.
NeueJournal:
What materials do you work with?
My work began through a process-based investigation into the manipulation of materials. The formula that produced the results I was looking for was a combination of elastic textiles, liquid-based foams, and aqua resin-based fiberglass. For finishing the pieces I use traditional oil paints.
My work began through a process-based investigation into the manipulation of materials. The formula that produced the results I was looking for was a combination of elastic textiles, liquid-based foams, and aqua resin-based fiberglass. For finishing the pieces I use traditional oil paints.
Are there any mediums you want to explore that you haven’t yet?
Definitely. Traditional materials like stone, glass, wood. Ideally all mixed together. I also think it could be interesting to find a way to translate the work digitally, as well.
NeueJournal:
What is inspiring you lately? What keeps you inspired?
What is inspiring you lately? What keeps you inspired?
The New York City art scene. The ability to see some of the best work in the world right in your neighborhood is quite special. That being said, it can be challenging to stay inspired at times. If I’m not in a good mental and physical state, I find that it’s hard to keep pushing. It feels different in your 20s compared to your 30s. When I was young, I could party, socialize, work—and I was always inspired. But now I have to ‘adult’, and think about physical and mental wellness. When the mind and body feel healthy, it’s easier to get inspired.
NeueJournal:
As someone who works between NYC and California, does location affect your creative process?
As someone who works between NYC and California, does location affect your creative process?
In NYC I like to work in my studio and produce. There’s the hustle mindset in New York, but there’s also so much access to seeing art in museums and local galleries, so I like to take advantage as often as I can. In California, my wife and I live in a small surfer town called Leucadia. It’s the perfect antidote to the burn out I often get from working in the studio in NYC. In Leucadia, I can step back and take time to explore and think about where the work will go.
NeueJournal:
Your first show was titled Adagio. How does music influence your work?
Your first show was titled Adagio. How does music influence your work?
I listen to a lot of minimalist pianists in my studio, and I play piano a bit as well. There’s a lot of parallels between art and music- from ambience, form, to rhythm.
What sort of experience do you hope people have with your work?
I honestly don’t give that too much thought. I spend so much time with the work, so I focus more on how I experience it. If I respond well, I imagine others will as well. Some people find them a bit erotic, which I don’t mind, ha.
Current read or listen:
I’m obsessed with the band Bar Italia at the moment. It’s gritty and nostalgic, and really feels so different to what music is being put out right now. They’re filling a void that I’ve been missing.
Life hack: Dogs.
