Embark on a journey into the world of the enigmatic and multi-talented Jolie Alien. An artist and model who seamlessly blends creativity and allure, Jolie Alien invites us to explore the fascinating convergence of imagination and aesthetics.
hube: Can you tell us about your background and how you got started as an artist? What drew you to the world of contemporary art?
Jolie Alien: I have been working as a model since I was 14. But in 2017 the government passed a law about the working age limit. So it became impossible for me to work until 16. I had to go back to my normal life and got really bored and depressed. At the same time, art has always been around me. I remember always going to museums and art shows with parents in different countries . So once there was this art shop in a museum where I saw a canvas on sale. I thought why not try to create something? And this canvas was followed by another one and another one and another one…
h: What inspires your work, and how do you choose the subjects or concepts you explore in your art?
JA: Life inspires me. An artist is a reflection of reality. And every day things can be shown in totally magic and new way. Once you find what triggers your attention—you work around it.
h: In what ways has the modeling shaped your artistic expression, and do experiences from your career in the fashion industry manifest in the themes or subjects of your creative endeavors?
JA: Modeling is a huge part of my life. Of course it has a profound reflection on me. I remember doing a whole series of sketches about the fashion week. Fashion industry gave me a push when I was working on Mango campaign—not only as a model but also as an artist. It was then when I realised that my artistic work can be interesting for other people.
h: What are your favorite artistic mediums, and how do they help you convey your ideas and emotions in your work? Are you interested in trying some other mediums in the future?
JA: In the beginning I worked with acrylic paint. For the last 3 years I prefer oil and I like how you can play with color and texture. Of course, I would like to try new mediums that I hope will come to me naturally in the course of working.
h: As an artist, how do you balance the commercial aspects of art with your creative integrity and vision?
JA: Make your choices so that you sleep well at night. I’m too young to know a certain answer though.
h: The art world can be challenging to navigate. How do you handle criticism and feedback on your work, and what advice do you have for aspiring artists facing similar challenges?
JA: I remember a good phrase “if you are a boxer be ready to get punched in the face.”
h: How do you hope people feel when they experience your work, and what do you want them to take away from it?
JA: I think each person has an individual reaction. I would like people to pay more attention to ordinary thing around them. Each person can find a Van Gogh’s chair at home.
h: Do you believe that art has the potential to positively impact the world, or is it primarily a means of reflecting upon the current state of affairs?
JA: Absolutely yes. Moreover, this positive impact may come from the total unhappiness—look at works by Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami.
h: Can you share any upcoming exhibitions or projects you’re currently working on or excited about?
JA: At the moment I’m in the process of stating some new practicing and subjects.
h: Please, choose 3 words to describe the future.
JA: Fast, fast, and fast.
All photography by ANTON REVA