We have previously covered Alice Zilberberg on Surrealism Today.
Statement
In this series, Zilberberg creates animal montages as an expression of self-therapy. As an urbanite, functioning day-to-day in a fast-paced, built environment can be emotionally unsettling. The artist regrounds herself in the sense of calm issued by these animals. These creatures reinstate a presence, a tranquility, and a grander perspective. The works are an amalgam of many photographs from different locations around the world, put together seamlessly by the artist in post-production. Their minimal aesthetic is metaphorical of striving for simplicity. Rather than ruminating on the past, or hypothesizing the future, Zilberberg’s works invite a meditative state, encouraging the viewer to stay still and find happiness in the moment.
20 Questions with Alice Zilberberg
SurrealismToday.com: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Alice Zilberberg: I never had a specific profession picked, but I knew I was going to do something artistic.
ST: What artwork are you are most proud of, and why?
AZ: I am very proud of all my works, as I know that even the less successful ones were part of the path to creating the top works, so I see all pieces as part of my work.
Who is the one person, dead or alive, that you would like to have dinner with and why?
AZ: Salvador Dali. I consider him one of the greatest artists. I would’ve loved to have a conversation with him, and I have a feeling he would be entertaining company.
Where is your favorite place?
AZ: The beaches in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Who are your biggest influences?
AZ: Many of the baroque painters like Frans Snyder, and Jan Weenix. Of course, the surrealists: Dali and Magritte. I am also in love with the works of many contemporary photographers such as Loretta Lux and Jill Greenberg. I look at a lot of contemporary paintings for inspiration as well.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
AZ: There have been many lessons leading my way, however, the lesson to always be kind to others has always stood out. In my experience, giving to others is really valuable.
What can’t you live without?
AZ: Nature. I’m always planning the next trip to get a dose.
What is your dream project?
AZ: My dream project is always the one I’m working on currently. I don’t settle for less with my work. I do whatever needs to be done to get my current vision out into the world.
What’s your favorite movie?
AZ: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
What is currently on your playlist?
AZ: A lot of techno.
What is your last Google search?
AZ: Iceland travel August 2020.
What gives you energy?
AZ: 9 hours of sleep every night.
If you could visit any artist’s studio, whose would you visit?
AZ: I would go back in time and visit Frida and Diego’s house in Mexico.  Â
What was the last thing you bought?
AZ: Plant-based chocolate fudge brownie ice-cream.
What ideas are you currently pondering or questioning?
AZ: I’m currently thinking a lot about the state of the natural environment and its future.
What is your favorite thing in the world, and why?
AZ: My favorite thing is when I’m in a good state of flow with my work.Â
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be, and why?
AZ: I would love to collaborate with a sculpture artist. I’ve always loved sculpture, and I’ve been thinking a lot about 3D artwork.
What helps you most in your work?
AZ: Maintaining my morning routine. I know the work will come when I have a schedule to work within.
What drives you to continue creating?
AZ: I always have ideas floating around that I am eager to try out, and I just know that they need to be created.
What is next for you?
AZ: I will likely continue to work with wildlife for a period of time, but I never know what can come up and inspire me.
Biography
Alice Zilberberg is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning artist, recognized by curators, collectors, and art patrons across the globe. Born in Tallinn, Estonia, and raised in Israel, she currently resides in Toronto, Canada. A graduate of Ryerson University’s Photography program, she began her artistic practice by painting: a verve which remains very much present in her digital works. The winner of numerous prestigious competitions, her accolades include 1st place titles in competitions such as the International Photography Awards, the Julia Margaret Cameron Awards, and the Fine Art Photography Awards.
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