Between Two Worlds
- Nara Ziyou
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Interview with Nara Ziyou
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
My name is Nara Ziyou, and my path into the art world has not been a traditional one. Professionally, I have spent many years working as an engineer—a field built on structure, logic, and precision. At the same time, I have always felt drawn to creativity, storytelling, and the emotional side of human experience. Painting gradually became the place where those two worlds could coexist.
What began as a personal form of expression slowly developed into a serious artistic practice. Over the years, I found myself returning again and again to themes such as belonging, connection, hope, inner peace, and the places where people feel at home. These ideas continue to guide my work today.
In recent years, I have had the opportunity to share my work with a growing international audience. My paintings have been presented in exhibitions in Germany and Spain, including a group exhibition at HUBart Gallery in Barcelona. In 2026, my work was featured in Artist Close-Up Magazine and presented at the ARTe Art Fair in Stuttgart, as well as in a group exhibition at Kunstpassage Bissinger in Pforzheim. The same year, I was also honored with an online solo exhibition through GA Magazine. Each exhibition, publication, and conversation with collectors has strengthened my belief that art is not only about creating images, but about creating connection.
Today, I find myself in an exciting period of transition, steadily building a life in which art can take on an increasingly important role.
2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.
By profession, I work full-time as an engineer. It is a field that requires structure, precision, and analytical thinking. Art, on the other hand, allows me to slow down, listen to intuition, and explore emotions that cannot be measured or calculated.
Because of this, most of my creative work happens in the evenings and often late into the night. While many people are winding down their day, I begin mine.
Balancing these two worlds can be challenging, but it has also taught me discipline and gratitude. Every hour I spend painting feels intentional and valuable.
In a way, this transition has become part of my artistic journey. I am currently building a bridge between the life I have known for many years and the creative life I am gradually stepping into. It is not always the fastest path, but it is an honest one.
Perhaps that is why themes such as belonging, inner peace, and finding one's place in the world continue to appear in my work. They are not only subjects I paint about—they are experiences I am living through myself.
3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
Many of my paintings begin with a feeling rather than an image.
I am inspired by quiet moments, memories, human connection, and the search for places where we feel a sense of belonging. The figures in my paintings are intentionally reduced and often anonymous. I do not want to tell the viewer exactly what to think or feel. Instead, I hope to create enough space for people to bring their own memories and emotions into the work.
In recent years, I have found myself returning again and again to themes such as belonging, inner peace, human connection, and the search for a place where we can simply be ourselves. Perhaps this is also a response to the world we live in today. Through my work, I try to create small spaces where people can pause, reflect, and perhaps recognize a part of their own story.
4. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.
One of the most meaningful parts of being an artist is hearing how other people experience my work.
What fascinates me most is that collectors sometimes see completely different stories than the ones I had in mind while painting. They bring their own memories, emotions, and life experiences into the artwork.
These conversations continually broaden my perspective and sometimes help me understand my own paintings in new ways. For that, I am deeply grateful.
5. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
One thing I have learned is that there is no single "right" path into the art world.
For a long time, I thought I needed more experience, more confidence, or the perfect moment before sharing my work publicly. Looking back, I realize that growth happened because I started before I felt completely ready.
My advice would be: don't wait for permission. Instead of doing this: apply for the exhibition, submit your work, build an online presence, share your paintings.
Many opportunities arrive only after we take the first imperfect step.
For me, creating art while working in a completely different profession has taught me something valuable: consistency is often more important than having unlimited time. Small steps taken regularly can lead surprisingly far.
And most importantly, stay connected to the reason you started creating in the first place. Trends change, the market changes, but creating meaningful work that feels true to you will always have value.
6. Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
At times it can be, because creating art requires long periods of solitude.
However, I do not see solitude as something negative. Some of my most important ideas emerge during quiet moments when there is space to observe, reflect, and simply listen. At the same time, art is ultimately about connection. Every exhibition, conversation, or message from a collector reminds me that while the creative process may happen alone, the artwork itself is meant to be shared.
7. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
At the moment, I am continuing to develop several series that combine abstraction, texture, and subtle figurative elements. Much of my current work revolves around themes of belonging, emotional refuge, human presence, and inner calm.
Alongside my artistic practice, I am currently preparing my first solo exhibition in a concept store in Weil der Stadt. The exhibition is scheduled to run from October to December and marks an important milestone in my journey as an artist. As I am currently transitioning from a full-time engineering career into the art world, this exhibition feels particularly meaningful. It represents not only a presentation of my work, but also another step toward building the creative life I have envisioned for many years.
Website: www.nara-ziyou.com
Instagram: @nara.ziyou
