'Art is purposely useless, hence why it’s more free than buildings' - Richard Serra

In my journey from architecture to painting, I often think about escaping function and utility, aiming to reach a realm of pure freedom. This place, of course, doesn’t exist. But I agree with Richard Serra’s view that buildings, by nature, are not art—they are purposeful, and purpose defines their essence. Buildings are designed to resolve problems, from providing basic shelter from the elements to offering spaces that serve holistic needs, such as Alvar Aalto’s human-centered approach to hospital design, treating these structures as machines for healing. While buildings can be constructed in an artful manner, they are not pieces of art in the sense that they inherently serve a function.

Painting, however, offers a release from function. As a painter, I get up every day to produce something no one has asked for and that serves no functional purpose. Yet this work is profoundly unique, inextricably tied to the self, rooted in the moment and place where it is created. This painting, born in the quiet solitude of the studio, is a response to an intense personal drive—a simple, inexplainable necessity to paint. Some pieces almost paint themselves, emerging in a flow, while others are meticulously reworked, edited until there is nothing left to refine. If the painting is genuine enough, it has the power to resonate with others. Why? Because viewers feel the intentions, the raw emotions embedded within it; they sense its single, uncompromised message, crafted not for utility but purely to give a voice to those internal forces.

In a world dominated by function, a painting’s singular purpose stands out. While buildings serve countless functions, a painting conveys a single, powerful message. When that message resonates at the right moment, striking a chord with the viewer, it fulfills its purpose. Though it may never be truly “useful” in a traditional sense, art exists as a social experience that transcends aesthetic appeal, evoking memories and prompting reflections on significant individual and collective issues, fostering dialogue and connection. I am certain that art exists beyond function: to me, art is the voice that fills a space with meaning.