In conjunction with their newest exhibition, BEYOND THE STREETS on PAPER, on view at the Southampton Arts Center in  Southampton, New York through August 28, 2021, BTS asked some of the artists from the show about their practice and time spent in the studio over the last 18 months. Today, they spoke and shared with us their conversation with the Iran-born, Brooklyn-based artists Icy & Sot about urgency in their works, reducing stress and their best playlist. 

Has the past year impacted or influenced your work in any way? How so? 
Yes, it has impacted the way we work probably more than the work itself , we kind of took it easy with work last summer as everything got canceled, which is the opposite of other summers traveling and doing one project after another, so we have learned to take our time with projects and not overload ourselves with too many projects, reducing the stress a bit. 

How has the mood of your most recent work changed or shifted from past work we’ve seen? 
The change in our work has been constant as we enjoy trying new materials or coming up with new ways or tools for print making and paintings, but the most recent works are becoming more subtle.

detail 2

What would you say is the medium that has defined your work as an artist? 
We don't think any specific medium defines our work, as we use different mediums.

When was the last time you produced works on paper? 
The most recent was for this show but we love print making so we have always used paper. 

What does working on paper look like for you? 
Our works on paper involve printmaking, studies—rarely originals. 

It seems like in the past year artists everywhere quite literally went back to the “drawing board.” What was that experience like for you as an artist or an individual? 
It was a bittersweet experience, as it was almost impossible to be creative in the beginning of pandemic. At the same time, it was nice to take time off and reflect. 

Social chaos I

What does urgency mean to you? 
Climate change.

Has your relationship with time changed at all in regards to creating? 
We took it easy with work last summer as everything got canceled, which is the opposite of other summers traveling and doing one project after another, so we have learned to take our time with projects and not overload ourselves with too many projects, reducing the stress a bit. 

What are some new hobbies or skills you cultivated in the past year that you have continued to keep up?  
Spending more time in nature, backpacking/ camping, photography, collecting records and DJing a bit :) 

Any playlists or podcasts you listened to while making your works on paper? 
https://soundcloud.com/thelotradio/sasan-oskouei-the-lot-radio-12-29-2020