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Bijan Machen is a multidisciplinary abstract artist. He paints music and uses art to uplift people, more abundantly!
How did you discover a passion for the arts?
My artistry has been cultivated through exposure to various cultural activities since my youth. My mother always encouraged drawing, painting and music making. I was also in the citywide choir, and played the saxophone in a jazz band. Creativity is a gift that I love to share with people and I feel the most fulfilled when I am making art. I know that art can educate, inspire, and change the world; so I committed my life to being an artist.
What has been your favourite thing about working in the arts?
I love being an artist because it makes me feel the most free. I have tried many different occupations in my life, but I always come back to creating. I also love that I can communicate with anyone because of how I see the world. Having an appreciation for color, line, shape, form, etc. actually makes me love people more. When people appreciate my art, I am encouraged to create and share more art, more inspiration, more entertainment, more education, more love.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
I create every day, even when I don’t feel like. I treat art making like physical exercise. I have to create every day, no matter what. Developing that knowing and that habit is what keeps me inspired. I also get inspired by children, and children’s cartoons. They inspire freedom of imagination, which is essential to the creative flow that uplifts humanity.
What reasons influenced the choice of art media that you work with?
Music is in my veins and flows through me. Art is in my style, my expression, my flow, my vibration. I feel like God chose me to communicate love and positivity to the world in a very unique way. I am committed to using my gift of music AND my gift of visual art to transmute energies and transcend uplifting vibrations to all.
What has your most recent or favourite project been so far?
My favourite art project is my social art practice, The We Uplift The World Foundation for Creative Entrepreneurs. I started a 501c3 arts education organisation dedicated to educating and empowering young artists to live more sustainable lives. We hire working professionals to teach students how to be sustainable creative entrepreneurs. WUTW has worked with youth from Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, New Mexico, and at many Native Reservations. Find out more information at www.weuplifttheworld.com
On average, how often do you organise exhibitions?
I make an effort to exhibit my work publicly at least once a year. I am constantly sharing work on my Twitter and Instagram pages. Ideally, I would like to be exhibiting work constantly, in perpetuity.
How do you promote your exhibitions?
I promote my exhibitions on social media and by word of mouth. @LAMBOMACH & @BIJANMACHEN on all channels. I would like to work with a marketing specialist or team to expand the reach of my art. LMK if you have any fine art marketing/PR referrals.
Tell me about the exhibition(s) you're displaying on Oarbt. What are the primary themes of the exhibition(s)?
My Oarbt exhibition is entitled “ABUNDANCE MENTALITY”. The work is about transmuting negative energy into something positive. It’s about remembering that life is abundant & that we are all magnificent creators; even when life circumstances are dark. Art was my light when I was in a dark place. Trying to find myself and learning that I can create my own identity, I don’t have to live up to the expectations of anyone else. That growth process can be painful, stressful, confusing, and depressing.
How has Oarbt provided an effective way of showcasing your art?
Digital art is the future, and it’s important for artists to have the capability of creating digital exhibition spaces that highlight and uplift their work. Oarbt has an aesthetically pleasing interface that I really appreciate. I also like that I can link directly to my NFT’s, making it easier for collectors to buy the work that inspires them.
Of all the artworks in your exhibition, which is the most meaningful to you and why?
The most meaningful piece in my exhibition is the “ABUNDANCE MENTALITY” Genesis Work. The work illustrates an expressive face, with an open mouth and protruding tongue. The words ABUNDANCE MENTALITY border the figure, along with lines and expressive gestures that resemble a juxtaposition of African art and Graffiti art abstractions.
To view the exhibition, click here.
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