Amanda Jahn’s (*1986) work spans photography, painting, installation, and sculpture. She delves into the intricate relationship between shared societal experiences and individual perspectives, while also critically examining the ethical and moral dimensions of prevailing societal ideals.
Drawing from the pulse of popular culture and media, Jahn’s art serves as a poignant reflection on pressing societal issues and the intricate layers of human experience. Her artistic productions are characterized by their not so nuanced satirical nature, imposing scale, vibrant chromatic palettes, and unique fusion of painting and photography.
In her creative domain, collective societal narratives intertwine with individual perspectives, offering a mirror to the complexities of modern life. In her series 'The Life of Pi,' inspired by the eponymous novel, Jahn explores the essence of survival and the human condition. These works delve into themes of desperation, isolation, and the innate resilience found in confronting adversity. Similarly, in 'Gadi Beri Bimba,' Jahn confronts the spectre of potential conflicts in Europe and the cyclical nature of historical violence. Through these series, she prompts viewers to reflect on the repercussions of unresolved conflicts and the enduring cycle of human strife, highlighting lessons yet to be learned.
Jahns work captures the essence of contemporary societal complexities, offering viewers a thought-provoking exploration of pressing issues and individual experiences. Through her bold artistic expression and thematic exploration, Jahn challenges viewers to confront their own perspectives and contemplate the broader ethical and moral dimensions of societal ideals.
My works are complicated stories that can be packed away and taken off the wall.
Bright and heavy, they exist in an unconscious place. I struggle with them, mostly because they force me to look at things I would rather look away from.
What materializes comes from somewhere hidden, but I actively choose the colours.
Sunshine yellow, sky blue, fern green, red; colour has an awesome language and I have always been drawn to it because of its representational ability. My colour choice is a way of ‘slapping a new coat of paint’ on decrepit structures and constitutions - dressing it up to make it easier to look at.