When did you first realize you wanted to become an artist?
In my puberty. When I realized this was what I wanted I decided to go to an art school.
You have been living in Vienna since 2011 – what brought you here?
I moved to Vienna for family reasons.
How was your time in Beijing?
I studied at the art academy in Beijing, and after that, I started my studio practice. For my artistic development, it was a very rich and interesting period. Furthermore, Beijing has a huge art scene – the biggest in China! I lived there from 2000 until 2011, which was a booming period for art.
What inspires your art? What topics are you working on?
I am inspired by almost every artist in front of my eyes. I am interested in the relation of history to the present, how traditional Chinese culture influences modern society, in China as well as in Western culture.
You are currently also showing works at Bildraum 1. What’s next? What are you working on right now?
My next exhibition will be a solo exhibition in Gallery Gundula Gruber in the end of November. At the moment I am working on new metal sculptures. I am looking forward to work on new paintings in the winter.
Ma Jia – www.instagram.com/majia_majia_majia/