Jannah’s Expressive Multimedia Art Inspired by Nature, Travels and Introspection

Jannah is a dynamic multi-media artist from Manila who now calls London home. She is here to share her story and insights with us. From growing up in Manila to living in London, she’s got a lot to tell. We’ll learn how her travels and experiences inspire her art, how she turns her feelings into beautiful pictures, and what she hopes people feel when they see her work. Let us get into Jannah’s fascinating story and discover the beauty and depth of her art.

Jannah, born in Manila and based in London, is a dynamic multimedia artist whose work spans watercolor, gouache, pencil, and clay sculpture. Her artistic journey is marked by a relentless curiosity and a passion for experimentation, leading to an ever-evolving and expressive style. Since her first art show in October 2022, Jannah has showcased her work in ten exhibitions, captivating audiences with pieces that blend nature-inspired themes and introspective text. In addition to her visual art, Jannah writes poetry and explores other artistic forms, such as dance, infusing her creations with a unique, chaotic energy. Her desire to connect with others fuels her creativity, making her work a personal expression and a shared experience.

1. Jannah, could you share how your move from Manila to London has impacted your art? Are you exploring different themes now compared to before?

I did half of my “essential growing up” in Manila and half in the UK, but have grown up with Filipino values at home. I am very interested in different cultures, which has led to travelling and meeting new people from various parts of the world. These experiences inspire some of my favourite pieces. I believe I have an increased awareness of all the different lives that inhabit our shared space, which draws me to create travel-inspired artwork. However, I think I constantly evolve regardless of location and remain curious about exploring different themes.

2. How do you turn your feelings and experiences into those lovely pictures we see? Can you walk us through it?

My final pieces often resemble my sketches due to their raw, “first draft” appearance. I follow my intuition, painting, drawing, and whatever resonates with me. Much like a diary, incorporating text into my art infuses my work with a deeply personal touch. When I encounter emotions requiring deeper understanding, I channel them through my art, transforming them into visual expressions until they make sense.

I follow my intuition, painting, drawing, and whatever resonates with me. Much like a diary, incorporating text into my art infuses my work with a deeply personal touch.

Jannah

3. How do your interests in poetry and travel inspire your artwork?

I also write poetry just as I draw and paint to process emotions. My paintings influence my poetry, and vice versa. While creating art, I often have internal dialogues, exploring my feelings. I extract lines from these conversations and incorporate them into my artwork, which inspires my poetry. Conversely, I sometimes write poems that conjure visual imagery, later translating these visions into my art. Travel has been a significant inspiration for my work, especially the collections from last year when I spent time away from home. Immersed in nature, I encountered immense beauty, which I found ironic considering how ugly I felt inside. This irony was so fun to explore. Now, with a different mindset, travel continues to inspire me. My art reflects my experiences, and I deeply value the insights and inspiration from my travels.

4. What’s it like to exhibit your work in London? And what do you hope people feel when they see your art up close?

I only ever imagined showing my work in London, but my first exhibition in Athens pushed me to share my art more widely. With its vibrant and inspiring artistic community, London feels like a surreal place to be a part of. I hope my work helps people feel less alone and better understood. On a personal level, I also hope to be understood through my art.

Travel inspires me. My art reflects my experiences, and I deeply value the insights and inspiration from my travels.

Jannah

5. How do you balance intense emotions like screaming and crying with the calm vibe of your art? And does the chaos ever influence what you create?

Years of therapy, haha! I’ve always been quite sensitive and deeply felt about many things. What once seemed like a curse has now become something I really love about myself. Many artists, I believe, are highly sensitive beings, and our emotions fuel our creativity. I’ve always enjoyed contrasting my calming art with turbulent emotions. However, lately, I’ve been drawn to a more chaotic approach, incorporating more expressive lines in my work as I experiment and evolve. While I sometimes worry that this new direction might be less palatable, it feels authentic and right for me now.

6. What’s it like working in your studio, and what things do you need around you to get into the creative zone?

I don’t have a permanent studio as I prefer creating art outdoors. Without a set routine, inspiration comes naturally and unpredictably. Luckily, my surroundings greatly influence my work, so being outside, especially in the sun, is helpful!! While I occasionally work indoors, I find my creativity flows best when it comes spontaneously. I’m experiencing an art block and trying to ride it out. I’m focusing on being mindful and not forcing anything, ensuring that I continue to create art that feels authentic to me.

Jannah’s art is all about sharing feelings and experiences with others. Whether painting, writing poetry, or exploring new places, Jannah’s creativity knows no bounds. Her journey is filled with inspiration and excitement. As she continues to grow and evolve as an artist, one thing remains the same: her passion for making beautiful things that touch people’s hearts. To learn more about Jannah, click the following links to visit her profile.