Subjective Frame and Intuition – Lying Mountains

Surajate’s practice is guided by the materials or key ideas he aims to discuss in his work; this informs a range of artistic decisions such as size and materials. Using soft and muted colours, delicate lines and media his Lying Mountain series presents as organic mark making. When asked about his process, Surajate shared that whilst his works are based on initial concepts, he welcomes the possibility of abstraction throughout the creative process. He states: ‘While I am fully focused on creating, I avoid having strict control over the final form or ultimate outcome of the work. Similar to conducting an experiment, I prefer to leave the work to develop naturally, allowing it to flow and evolve organically until it is complete.’ (Interview with 16albermarle Project Space 2023).

Think About/Discuss:

Begin by looking at the series of Lying Mountains and listing all the materials you think create the landscape. 

What elements of his works are left to intuition and organic evolution? 

Compare Surajate’s practice to the following artists: 

• Jackson Pollock 

• Helen Frankenthaler 

• Gerhard Richter 

Written Response: 

‘The making of art is an intuitive act, rather than a planned process.’ 

In an extended response form, evaluate the above statement using open book research on Surajate’s Lying Mountains and artworks by one other artist from the above list.