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London-based artist Yoni Alter works across print, painting, sculpture and public installations. One theme that ties them together above all else is the aim to bring a sense of playfulness and fun to the viewer. Join us as we discuss Yoni’s Pop Art inspired CMY paintings, his ‘Love Continuum’ public sculpture, and his ‘Shapes of Cities’ print collection.
Q: Can you tell us about your skyline collection?
A: I come from a graphic design background, and I’ve always been drawn to simple, iconic forms. One day, while walking through Hyde Park, I noticed something from a particular spot: the Shard and the London Eye seemed to intersect. Just two basic geometric shapes — a triangle and a circle — aligning in the skyline.
That moment made me wonder: what other iconic buildings in London are made up of simple shapes? I started collecting silhouettes of London landmarks and overlaying them in solid colours. I kept them drawn to scale, so the composition feels more like a diagram than a collage. That became the first print in what I later titled ‘Shapes of Cities’.
When friends saw the London print, they asked if I could make versions for other cities — and that’s how the series began to grow. It’s been a really enjoyable process. I get to dive into the architecture of different places, learn about their iconic buildings, and discover unexpected shapes that haven’t appeared in the series before. I also like including public sculptures and monumental structures when they feel right.
By the way, that spot in Hyde Park where I saw the Shard and the Eye line up — if you enter from Exhibition Road and walk straight in, it’s just off to the right, around the tennis courts.
‘I love experimenting with techniques and production methods — especially finding new ways to approach how something is made.’
Yoni Alter
Q: You often depict Pop cultural references such as Mickey Mouse in your paintings that utilise a limited CMY palette. What are your main drives in producing this work?
A: I’m interested in the power of simplicity — in how far iconography can go. Mickey Mouse is a perfect example. When I was a kid, like most kids at the time, I loved Mickey Mouse. It’s such a globally recognised icon, which makes it especially fun and interesting for me to work with.
I like exploring how to depict it using minimal means — to test the boundaries between what’s still recognisable and what’s already abstract. I’m curious how far I can reduce it, and how minimal I can go, while still keeping that spark of recognition.
I love experimenting with techniques and production methods — especially finding new ways to approach how something is made. In my CMY spray paintings, I discovered that by using translucent paints and a halftone technique, I could create a surprising range of colours. The overlapping layers of cyan, magenta, and yellow interact in a way that feels both systematic and expressive.
Q: Is there a universal theme that runs throughout your oeuvre, or do different mediums offer opportunity to explore in different ways?
A: That’s an interesting question. When I look back at the things I’ve made, a few common threads come to mind. One is that the viewer always plays a role in the work — whether it’s by noticing something that wasn’t obvious at first, or by physically interacting with it. Another is simplicity — in form, in composition, or in how the idea is communicated.
But if I had to name the most consistent element, it would probably be fun. Whether it’s a sculpture, a print, a painting, or an object, I think they all aim to bring a sense of playfulness and enjoyment.
I work across many mediums because of curiosity — I’m always discovering something new and wanting to try it out. For example, after making the Shapes of Cities prints, I became interested in achieving the same effect of overlapping translucent colours, but in three dimensions. I started experimenting with translucent acrylic, creating sculptures and objects that felt like a physical interpretation of the prints.
Once I began working with materials — thinking about space, scale, and how things behave in the real world — that opened up even more ideas. I found myself exploring new techniques and materials, and that exploration continues to drive my practice.
Q: Can you tell us about your Love Continuum sculpture?
A: When I create, I start with play.
Play and experimentation are how magic happens.
That was true for Love Continuum too.
I had been squeezing paint straight from the tube onto canvases — I loved those thick, juicy, tube-shaped lines.
That playful experiment led me into 3D cursive sculptures — physical lines you could actually hold.
And once I held one, I thought:
Why stop at two dimensions? Let’s go into three! Let’s bring the whole line to life!
I always strive for minimalism.
Simplicity has power.
And here, tucked inside a few simple loops, is Love waiting to be discovered.
From the first moment I imagined this shape, I knew it needed to be huge.
Something you could walk through, sit on, touch.
Q: Are there any insights into the making process of your sculpture and installation work that you could share with us?
A: Large outdoor sculptures and installations are obviously challenging to produce. There are so many factors and limitations to consider — from logistics and durability to safety and permissions. But despite all that, it’s incredibly rewarding to visit the site after the installation and watch how people interact with the work. Seeing them discover it, engage with it, and experience a moment of joy — that makes it all worth it.
‘A big part of what drives me is the joy people feel when they encounter the work — so the more people it can reach, the more joy I can share.’
Yoni Alter
Q: What are your future aspirations for your work?
A: Scale is really important to me. One of my aspirations is to create artworks that are as large as anyone can imagine. For example, I’d love to see my Love Continuum sculpture installed outdoors at a scale where not just children, but adults could sit on it, walk through it, and fully experience it physically.
I also hope my work reaches as many people as possible. A big part of what drives me is the joy people feel when they encounter the work — so the more people it can reach, the more joy I can share.
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