10 Questions with Yana Jigsaw

Yana Jigsaw is an interdisciplinary artist based in Nicosia, Cyprus. Born in 1997 in the picturesque Russian village of Bogorodskoe, her upbringing was indelibly shaped by the village's devout religious traditions, where Bible teachings permeated her daily existence. From the earliest moments of her existence, Yana was a profoundly spiritual child, guided by her unyielding faith throughout her journey.

Bordered by the village church and the cemetery, Yana's school exposed her to the solemnity of death and the rituals of mourning at a tender age. In this close-knit community, funerals and church services became her primary source of entertainment, leaving Yana with ample time to immerse herself in the world of books from the local library. Despite the constraints of her rural upbringing, her insatiable curiosity and unquenchable thirst for knowledge were constant companions that guided her.

Throughout her formative years, Yana had two dominant influences in her life - God and the computer. Her fascination with the world of technology led her to countless hours of exploration and experimentation with the capabilities of her computer. As she matured, Yana's interest in technology blossomed into a deep-seated passion for programming, and she dedicated herself to mastering the intricate art of coding.

In 2019, a shattering tragedy struck Yana's life when her beloved brothers passed away. Grieving and seeking solace, she turned to art as a means of healing her wounded soul. Drawing on her deep love for technology and programming, Yana embarked on a transformative odyssey, experimenting with the fusion of her newfound passion for art with her technological expertise.

Yana's art becomes a poignant reflection of her extraordinary life experiences, from her devout upbringing to her profound love for technology and programming. Her creations stand as a testament to the transformative power of creativity, serving as a source of healing, inspiration, and metamorphosis. Through her art, Yana ventures deep into the intricate tapestry of human existence, exploring the boundless realms of the digital world with an unyielding spirit of discovery.

yanajigsaw.art | @yana.jigsaw

ARTIST STATEMENT

Yana Jigsaw's work is an ethereal fusion of art, technology, and humanity. Her multidisciplinary approach to art is a reflection of her restless spirit, which seeks to explore the limitless possibilities of the digital world. In her hands, modern technology becomes a tool to investigate the complex nature of human beings and our relationship with the world around us.

With an acute understanding of the power of artificial intelligence, Yana delves deep into the human psyche, uncovering the intricacies of our emotions, thoughts, and desires. Her art is an immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of space and time, taking the viewer on a journey into the depths of the human soul.

Through her use of technology, Yana creates a world where the lines between reality and imagination are blurred and where the boundaries of the physical and virtual worlds are dissolved. Her work invites the viewer to question their own perceptions of reality, and to explore the infinite possibilities of the digital world.

In a world where technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, Yana's work reminds us of the beauty and complexity of the human experience. Her art is a testament to the power of technology to inspire, provoke, and transform.

Rebellion of the Crayon Crosses, mixed media, 27x27 cm, 2023 © Yana Jigsaw

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, and how did you start experimenting with art?

I'm Yana Jigsaw, an interdisciplinary artist from Cyprus but rooted in a small Russian village. My artistic journey commenced at the tender age of 4 when I embarked on the path of embroidering icons. I vividly recall my victory in the 'Divine Peace' competition at school, where the local priest honored me with oil paints as a prize, opening the doors to a new realm of artistry.
Subsequently, I immersed myself in the world of programming, temporarily setting art aside. However, life took a tragic turn when I found myself in a psychiatric facility following the loss of my brothers. It was during this tumultuous period that art became my sanctuary, a soothing balm for my shattered soul.
Over time, my artistic and technological pursuits converged. I began creating art and harnessing neural network models to birth entirely novel pieces from my drawings. On occasion, I'd use these generated works as a canvas, infusing them with a touch of human craftsmanship. This intricate process unfolded endlessly until I achieved the level of expression I envisioned in my mind.

How would you define yourself as an artist today? And how has this definition changed over the years?

As I embarked on my journey of embroidering icons, I was but a child, deeply devout in my faith, and all my creative endeavors were dedicated to His glory. However, the sands of time have reshaped my sentiments towards both God and life itself. Following the loss of my brothers, God transformed into a symbol of the fear of my own mortality. Each day, I feel as though I am fleeing from the grasp of death, and I endeavor to articulate this in my artistic works.
I have ventured into the realm of art experimentation, collaborating with contemporary composers to craft video compositions for their music, culminating in orchestral performances. My pursuits extend to composing music, photography, drawing, and an active engagement with algorithms and neural networks. In every one of my creations, I aspire to delve into the profound questions of existence, and 'Dasein' stands as the driving force propelling my creative odyssey.

Let's talk about your work. What is your main aim as an artist?

My main aim as an artist is to create a fusion of traditional and digital art forms that explore the intricacies of the human experience. I strive to transcend conventional boundaries, embracing technology as a means to delve deeper into the emotions, thoughts, and questions that define our existence. Through my art, I aim to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and challenge viewers to contemplate the ever-evolving tapestry of life.

In your biography, you mention being influenced by the religious traditions of your village. How do you incorporate these traditions in your work? And how do they influence it?

One of the most impactful traditions that has shaped my life is our family gathering at the cemetery on Easter. We come together, sharing a meal right beside the graves, leaving candies and pouring spirits as offerings to our departed loved ones. Children play around the tombstones, laughter filling the air, and it feels as if no one has truly departed. In my artistic endeavors, I often transform the cemetery into a playground, depicting death not only from a frightening perspective but also as an integral part of the circle of life.
This tradition transcends the somber connotations of mortality, emphasizing the celebration of existence and the enduring connection with those who have passed on. It serves as a poignant reminder that even in the face of loss, life can be vibrant and joyous, offering a profound perspective that I aim to capture in my art.

As you mention in your statement, your work is "an ethereal fusion of art, technology, and humanity." How do you balance these different elements?

Indeed, my work revolves around the intricate balance of art, technology, and humanity. I immerse myself in the realm of human emotions, often capturing people in their natural state through video recordings where they converse and move freely. Then, I employ a proprietary algorithm to train a neural network model, amalgamating the essence of the subject's entire experience during the shoot, comprising thousands upon thousands of frames. The outcome is a somewhat mechanized depiction, yet it remains a living creation, simply in a different dimension.
This fusion of technology and humanity seeks to explore the multifaceted nature of existence, where the boundaries between the organic and the artificial blur. It's a quest to transcend traditional artistic boundaries and delve into a realm where the essence of human emotions is retained within a digital canvas, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricate interplay of art, technology, and the human spirit.

Sepulcher Funland, mixed media, 27x27 cm, 2023 © Yana Jigsaw

Teatime with the Departed, mixed media, 27x27 cm, 2023 © Yana Jigsaw

What messages do you want to convey with your work?

I want to convey the message that our existence is not confined by life and death. In reality, we live eternally, and although death may terrify us, we can make peace with it and exist in perpetuity.

Technology has a central role in your art and your practice. How do you keep up with the latest trends and technologies?

I stay updated with the latest trends and technologies through a strong foundation I've built. Since 2011, I've actively been studying mathematics and programming, and since 2017, I've been working in the field of AI while undergoing relevant training. Working in startups has allowed me to be at the forefront of emerging technologies during their development stages. Thanks to the internet, I always have access to a wealth of interesting code resources. Additionally, I have top-notch equipment that enables me to test and experiment with various technologies at home whenever I wish.

On that note, what do you think of the recent introduction of AI in design and art? Do you see it as a threat or an opportunity?

I see AI as an excellent tool, much like brushes and paints. In fact, the capabilities of AI go far beyond what we might initially perceive, and they can always be customized to create something entirely new. It just takes a bit more time, resources, and immersion to harness its full potential. But the results are well worth the effort.

Bible’s Whispers in the Final Rest Playground, mixed media, 27x27 cm, 2023 © Yana Jigsaw

What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?

I'm currently working on a short film about death masks, and I'm deeply inspired by the Mexican holiday El Dia de los Muertos. I aim to find a connection between this holiday and my childhood memories.

And finally, where do you see yourself and your work in five years from now?

I aspire to see myself thriving and my works resonating with people on a profound level, uncovering what lies deep within them. In the next five years, I hope to scale my projects and continue collaborating with composers, as I cannot envision my artistic journey without music.

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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