Accessible contemporary art by Alej Ez
In May 2026, my artist friend Dee Feris, who was working for the Artists Open Houses Festival, came to my home to film a video of my open house. We had met a few days earlier and casually mentioned that my art is very accessible, which made me reflect on this aspect of my work.
Possibly, the accessibility in my art comes naturally from my architectural training and my instinct to create a readable, clear record on paper of our world and our rituals through drawing. My records initially focused on natural and man-made landscapes, and more recently have become intertwined with depictions of people and personal narratives.
At first glance, my work is clear, understandable, and accessible. However, the simplicity I aim for is layered with references to classical and contemporary Asian and European art, combining life-drawing depictions of the human form with precise architectural expressions of perspective and composition.
My artistic expression borrows from the techniques and mindset of a printmaker, alongside the curiosity of a colourist. My work is rooted in the present while echoing the practices and influences of many important artists who came before me.
Lately, I have fallen in love with the word “ditty”. A ditty is a short, often light-hearted song or poem — usually catchy and easy to remember.
