Jaana Kivi
Jaana Kivi (1985) describes her art as neo-surrealism or magical realism with a little touch of abstract. As an artist she is technically multitalented. With her versatile process, she can turn her visions into a large variety of art. She can handle multiple mixed media styles as well as classical oil techniques. That’s why it seems like impossible is only a state of mind for her, and as she once said, the mind limits our liberation towards greater potential.
For Jaana, art is a way to express the conflict between the inner and the outer world and through art she strives for an alternative world to unfold powerful ways. It’s been said that Jaana’s artworks catch the viewer’s attention, create some intrigue and empower the spectators to study and appreciate their own contradictions, visions, intuitions, bodies and souls. (Liliana Sanchez, art curator, M.A.D.S. Art Gallery)
Please tell us more about your background and how you began creating art?
I was discovered at a very young age to have a talent and early on art was the way to express myself. Ever since childhood I knew that for me art was the only rule to follow, observe humanity and walk on my own way. Because of my feeling of unsuitability to conventionality, I knew I wanted to be an artist.
Later I started studying media design, audiovisual arts and creative writing. I even had a career as an journalist, but overturning what wasn’t working in my life, I needed to destroy all the walls that kept me still. Breaking my way into artistic freedom, I shifted into fine art and found my way to the Mastery Program of Milan Art Institution. During those studies I ascertained my voice to be related to the deeper liberation of being human, creation of the new inner and in the end outer world, and in the end that realization made me a professional artist.
What does your art aim to say to the viewers?
I want my artworks to evoke an invitation. That the viewer might feel some strange attraction, some energy that can be sensed, that fascinates, but perhaps cannot immediately be understood. I believe that the power of change is a part of life, the idea of metamorphosis is continuing. Through my art I want to embrace the beginning of something new. I also hope that viewers can feel the invitation to discover their dark side, feel the fascination to explore it and own it. That’s why the stories I want to tell always include a seed of change.
Do you have an essential philosophy that guides you in your creative expression?
My desire is to plant the seed of change and awaken the inspiration to find oneself. I think my essential philosophy in life in general is to shine my light and show that an alternative reality is possible. Because I’ve found my own passion, through my creative expression I want to awaken the invitation in the others to explore their own passions and fight against the rules that might keep them small. My art offers an alternative way of looking at normative life, and I believe that creating a new alternative world can be found outside the reality as we know it.
What art marketing activity do you put into practice regularly that works most successfully for you?
I’m constantly open to new opportunities to present my art. I contact galleries both in Finland and world wide. I try to get opportunities to organize private exhibitions and take part in group exhibitions and art fairs. I’m interested in all kinds of marketing cooperation in social media and visibility and promotion collaboration with different art platforms and communities. I’m constantly taking part in various art competitions and producing interesting content for social media platforms.
In 2023, I'm taking part in group exhibitions in Europe and, among other things, participating in the Art Fair exhibit Carrousel du Louvre in Paris.
Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What is your daily routine when working?
Currently I’m working in Helsinki, Finland. My studio is compact and contains multiple art supplies like oils, acrylics, spray paints and inks. My process is strong, bold, and definite at the same time. I fulfil my artworks with high energy. I enjoy mixed media, texture, bright and powerful colours but also incorporating different classic styles like oil painting with old masters technique. My process is driven by a strong vision. I love to leave evidence and a record of my marks and brushstrokes – the energy in which the artwork is created is shown. I’m not afraid of colour, high contrast, edges with fluid, soft and drippy style, mark making or layering. When looking at my artworks you will see a lot of variety and changes but my art still maintains my voice.
Music has a strong influence on my art and I often listen to music while painting. Music helps me structure my thoughts during the creative process and sometimes it even takes me to a meditative state where the time disappears. I’m working as an artist and as well as a writer. My debut novel will be published in 2023 and writing takes my time along with fine arts.
How much planning goes into each artwork?
I always start with a careful design. Planning the theme and the story I want to tell with my artwork is important for me. After that, I create a scene – I build a source image from several different images using photo editors. Then I print the image and use it as a manuscript or a sketch for what eventually will form on the canvas. Often, the picture changes a lot, but this kind of process suits my artistic style and my personality.
I also leave a space for a chance on the canvas. Often, backgrounds, drippy style and textures arise by themselves without planning. Perhaps I can say that my art is combinations of design and creative coincidences. I always paint multiple layers and therefore there are many working steps in my process but still my vision stays clear.
What’s the essential element in your art?
I Think you might say fantastic women, a surreal world. Key elements of my artworks are surrealism, magical realism and figurative narratives. The characters in my artworks often have a twinkle in their eye and the atmosphere is a little bit mysterious.
In your opinion, what role does the artist have in society?
As I see it in my visions, the role of an artist in today's society is to remind people that the freedom to pursue one's own soul purpose is everyone's basic right. However, building this freedom requires dismantling everything that doesn't work. Through the artists' visions, every dysfunctional rule and structure is found to be outdated. Artists lead by example by showing the courage to go their own way, break free from restraints, be the shape shifters and the creators of a new world. Artists are the pioneers of how anyone can claim back their energetic sovereignty and the ability to create and thus their freedom. Artists show that it's time to create a better new world.
Are there any projects you are currently working on and able to speak about?
I’m currently working on a new mixed media series of artworks on canvas and paper, which I have planned for launching in April 2023. Alongside this there are a few commissioned works in progress. During 2023, I am also launching one open edition print series and a closed edition print series on canvas.
