10 Questions with Ja

Ja is a contemporary artist based in Los Angeles whose work portrays raw emotion and contemplation through the human form. Inspired by the connection between emotions and body movement, her work captures the complexity of the human experience. Through the use of abstract figurative compositions, Ja's use of the body as a communicative vessel enables viewers to gain insight into her inner world.

www.artsbyja.com | @inthewastebin

ARTIST STATEMENT

The artwork of Ja delves into the interplay between human emotions and the communicative power of the body. By using the human form as a vehicle to capture the raw essence of emotion and introspection, Ja provides viewers with an opportunity to connect with their own feelings. Through a skillful combination of color, texture, space, and form, each piece offers a glimpse into her innermost thoughts and emotions.

Having trained as a dancer for over ten years, Ja possesses a deep understanding of the body's expressive potential and its ability to convey emotions and messages through movement and physicality. As a painter, Ja has leveraged this knowledge to transform the human form into a powerful tool for communication in her art that is both intimate and universal.

I’m Reaching But Not Too Far, Acyrlic on canvas, 60x48 in (152.4 x 121.92 cm), 2022 © Ja

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. What is your history and your artistic background?

My name is Ja, and I currently reside in Los Angeles as a painter. Although I'm not originally from LA, this city has undeniably become my second home, while New York holds the special place of my first. I was born and raised in Upstate NY, and it is there that my artistic roots took hold. Growing up in a creative household, I found my passion for both dance and art at an early age. As I journeyed through my teenage years, soccer and dance captured much of my attention and passion. However, my deep-rooted love for the arts never wavered. It was during my travels and studies in various countries around the world that a newfound desire to pursue a creative career began to take shape within me. Before long, I found myself with a paintbrush in hand, ready to embark on a path dedicated to artistic expression.

What is your personal aim as an artist?

As an artist, my personal objective is to utilize the human body as a powerful means of communication in my art. Exploring the power of expression through the human form is so intriguing to me. I'm fascinated by its capacity to express emotions and convey messages through movement, posture, and physicality.

Take Space, Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 46 in (121.92 x 116.84 cm), 2023 © Ja

Untitled 01, Acrylic on canvas, 53x70 in (134.62 x 177.8 cm), 2021-2023 © Ja

In your statement, you mention how your background in dance influences your current practice as a painter. Can you further explain this influence?

My experience in dance has a strong influence on my artistic work. Years of competitive dancing have revealed to me the body's ability to communicate and evoke certain emotions. Each dance style, be it ballet, hip hop, tap, modern, or even musical theater, has taught me that when the body is emphasized in specific poses or movements, emotions from within the dancer as well as the viewer, can be affected. For instance, a contracted position versus an expansive one can elicit contrasting emotional responses. Similarly, sharp and fluid movements or taller and shorter poses have the power to evoke diverse emotions in both the viewer and the dancer. These valuable insights have greatly influenced my current artistic endeavors. While I no longer compete in dance, I continue to incorporate pose and movement exercises to not only enhance my artistic expression but also to stay connected to myself.

What do you hope that the public takes away from your work?

Through my art, my ultimate desire is for my audience to gain a profound appreciation for the body's power, grace, and its remarkable ability to communicate. I hope to convey the notion that the body serves as a captivating medium of expression, capable of conveying messages in its own unique way.

Let's talk about your creative process. Visually speaking, where do you draw inspiration from, and how do you transfer it into your work?

Currently, my creative process is constantly evolving. At present, a significant source of inspiration for me comes from my own physicality and gestures. I often put on instrumental music and gradually maneuver my body into postures that reflect my thoughts or emotions. It's a study of effectively conveying my feelings through movement. To capture this, I typically arrange a camera setup and record my movement sessions. Later, I review the footage, extracting ideas and inspirations from the recorded material. This approach enables me to experience the dance both as a performer and as an observer, establishing a profound connection and gaining a deeper comprehension of each movement.

Shoulders To Support, Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 36 in (121.92 x 91.44 cm), 2023 © Ja

Do you like to experiment with new techniques and materials, or do you tend to gravitate towards the same ones?

I thoroughly enjoy experimenting with various techniques and materials in my artistic journey. Although I have a natural inclination towards acrylic as a medium, I am particularly intrigued by charcoal and cement and want to incorporate them into my artwork soon. It excites me to delve into new mediums and see how they will enrich my artistic expression.

You have a recognizable style; how did you develop it? Did you have any references, or did it come more as a trial and error process?

My artistic style has been a result of a lengthy trial and error process. I do use myself and others as references; however, I believe my current style is not the definitive expression of my true artistic identity. I eagerly anticipate further exploration and refinement as I continue to paint and create. Each new artistic endeavor presents an opportunity for growth and the evolution of my style, bringing me closer to its ultimate form.

Let's talk about the future. Do you have any upcoming shows or collaborations you are looking forward to?

Yes, I have set my sights on organizing my inaugural solo exhibition in the upcoming year of 2024. This current year serves as a dedicated period for me to embrace both triumphs and setbacks, to construct and deconstruct, and to meticulously prepare all the artworks intended for the exhibition.

Are you working on any new series or projects right now? Is there anything you would like to share with our readers?

Yes, I am currently fully engaged in the creation of a series centered around the theme of paranoia. This body of work serves as a powerful vehicle for me to confront and address aspects that I have kept hidden from both myself and others. The process itself has been truly transformative, and as a result, I have created some of my most cherished and beloved artworks.

Finally, what are your plans for the rest of 2023 and for the future in general?

For the remainder of 2023, my intentions revolve around the dedicated study of my craft and further exploration of movement with the body. I aim to devote more time to sketching and nurturing the development of my artistic world, striving to bring it to a more concrete and well-defined form.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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