Simon Hafele Psy-Pix

Year of birth: 10.02.1985.
Where do you live: Zams – Tirol – Austria.
Your education: Elbigenalp carving school / Branch gilding and sign making.
Describe your art in three words: Visionary Psychedlic Art.
Your discipline: Fineart, Painting.
Website | Instagram

Can you share how your travels to India, Cambodia, Nepal, Thailand, and Laos have shaped your artistic vision and style?

The motivation behind my extensive travels to countries like India, Cambodia, and Thailand was deeply rooted in a desire for a spiritual quest. Exploring mysticism, spirituality, and the search for self-identity became the thematic core of my artistic narrative. The journey to India, in particular, marked a transformative experience, providing a template for my paintings and expanding the horizons of my creative expression. Beyond the physical and cultural landscapes encountered during these travels, the freedom inherent in the act of traveling itself provided my mind with an expansive canvas for creativity. This freedom, a departure from the structured routine of everyday life, continues to be a wellspring of inspiration.

Simon Hafele Psy-Pix | The first supper

What is your creative process like when starting a new piece? Do you begin with a clear vision, or does the piece evolve organically?

It all begins with the vision. The creation of an image starts in the mind; in a way, they’re like snapshots taken from a constantly flowing river. To truly see this river, one must learn to perceive with all three eyes. To me, this river represents the purest, most vibrant form of creativity that man can experience—an endless source of possibilities. I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of this flow. While the core concept of the vision is formed in my mind, I always leave room for change and evolution throughout the creative process. I also enjoy incorporating elements from nature, such as sacred geometry, the Fibonacci sequence, and sometimes animals. Inspiration often strikes during my long hikes in the mountains, which are a significant influence in my life. I feel deeply connected to them, and they serve as a continual source of creativity and reflection for my work.

Simon Hafele Psy-Pix | Absurdity in Hyperspace

Your use of bright and often fluorescent colors is striking. Can you talk about the role of color in your work and how you choose your palette?

One of the most challenging aspects at the beginning of creating a painting is selecting the color palette. By the time I settle on the final color scheme, I’ve often revisited and reimagined the piece many times. This process is deeply intuitive, guided by my inner drive to achieve a harmonious interplay of colors. My aim is always to make the color dynamics feel organic and balanced, allowing the hues to complement each other effortlessly. I’m particularly drawn to earthy tones, though I also enjoy incorporating striking contrasts. Ultimately, it’s about achieving the sense of harmony that the chosen palette should evoke. When it comes to my fluorescent color palette, earthy tones are much less prominent. I tend to mix nearly every color to tone it down and create a softer effect, as pure fluorescent shades can be quite overwhelming to the eye. I prefer a more balanced and harmonious feel, even with vibrant colors. The luminous quality of fluorescent tones brings its own unique energy and aura to the viewer, adding a special dimension to the overall experience.

Simon Hafele Psy-Pix | Reflection of a moment

Can you tell us more about the “Vision Scientist” project and the experience of creating huge ceiling designs for festivals?

My involvement in decorating music festivals, particularly within the Psytrance scene, has been a significant chapter in my life. The relationship between art and music in my world is deeply symbiotic. The harmonious nature of music enhances the beauty of my artistic vision. My affinity for Psytrance has not only enriched my artistic journey but has also shaped the colorful tapestry of my life. While the industry has undergone significant changes with the advent of digital technologies, I still find joy in occasional event decoration, especially for friends in the industry. Having celebrated numerous festivals worldwide over my 18-year career, I’ve forged enduring friendships with event organizers, with whom I continue to collaborate. However, I also recognize the evolving landscape and acknowledge my own desire to take a more relaxed approach in my creative endeavors.

What has been your most memorable collaboration or project so far, and why?

I don’t really have a preference when it comes to collaboration because I believe every project offers its own unique potential. I always aim to structure my work in a way that brings out the best in every situation. My focus is on partnering with professionals who are truly dedicated to their craft. Whether it’s with the organizers of the Burning Mountain Festival in Switzerland, the Psychedelic Experience Festival in northern Germany, or the Museum of the Americas – which plays an active role in the global art scene with exhibitions in the U.S. and Dubai. I’m also proud to be a certified artist of the Museum of the Americas, which has been a significant milestone in my career. For me, a collaboration is truly successful when each part complements the other, creating something extraordinary in the process. I believe that the right synergy can turn a project into something remarkable.

Simon Hafele Psy-Pix | A jar of fools

How do you hope viewers will engage with your paintings? What emotions or thoughts do you wish to evoke in them?

In my eyes, the essence of art lies in the viewer’s engagement, placing them at the very heart of the artistic journey. I deliberately leave my work open to interpretation, creating a space where viewers can craft their own stories amidst the strokes and colors. Love, the thread that weaves through my art, acts as a universal dialect, inviting a myriad of interpretations. Each piece is more than just a visual feast; it’s a gateway to an emotional voyage, where the vibrancy and harmony of love paint the soul of my artistic realm. My aim is for viewers to not only revel in the visual splendor but to also plunge into the emotional depths it offers. This isn’t just passive viewing; it’s an open call for a deeply personal, participatory experience with art.

Have you received any particularly impactful feedback from viewers of your work that has stayed with you?

From the very beginning, I’ve been fortunate to receive highly positive feedback for my work. This early encouragement was crucial, as it helped build the self-confidence needed to pursue art independently. In truth, I haven’t encountered much criticism, and the response to my work has consistently been positive. This support has made it easier for me to maintain belief in what I do. As every artist knows, the journey can be challenging, especially in the early stages, when you often feel like giving up. During those tough times, positive feedback becomes invaluable—it was precisely that encouragement that kept me going through difficult moments, ultimately leading me to where I am today.