Jamian Juliano-Villani was born in 1987 in Newark, New Jersey, and lives and works in New York. As the daughter of commercial silkscreen printers, she spent time as a child working in her parents’ factory, folding more than four thousand Pope John Paul II T-shirts in ninety-seven-degree heat while absorbing the influence of 1990s and 2000s mass-market print design. She attended the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, New Jersey, graduating with a BFA. While there, she was influenced by the institution’s historic ties to Fluxus, her studies with John Yau and Raphael Ortiz, and the Zimmerli Art Museum’s collection of 1970s Soviet conceptual painting.
She’s in the collection of the Guggenheim Museum in New York, The Whitney Museum of American Art, The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, and the Louis Vuitton Foundation, among others.
After pleasantries, discussing NewCrits, and introductions, our conversation turns to
Family and Artistic Influence [00:12:26]:
Juliano-Villani discusses her family's background in advertising and printing, contrasting her own artistic path. She talks about how they influenced her, and how they have their own genius themselves.
Artistic Process and Inspiration [00:12:55]:
The discussion shifts to Juliano-Villani's creative process and how drinking and personal experiences influence her work. She shares insights into the titles of her shows and the personal significance behind them.
Artistic Identity and Expression [00:16:57]:
Juliano-Villani expresses her views on personal expression, emphasizing the importance of staying freaky but detached. The conversation touches on the blurry lines between taste, comfort, and artistic expression.
Problem-Solving and Formal Challenges [00:19:16]:
Juliano-Villani discusses her approach to painting as a series of formal problems that need to be solved, highlighting the process of problem-solving and decision-making in her artistic practice.
Legacy and Artistic Continuation [00:23:27 -00:24:41]:
Reflections on the desire to keep artistic spirits alive, including discussions on historicizing oneself and creating work that serves as backdrops for other artists' legacies.
Collaboration and Dialogue in Art [00:25:00 - 00:30:52]:
Conversations around collaboration, consensus, and ongoing dialogue in artistic practice, acknowledging disagreements, arguments, periods of silence, and reconciliation. They emphasize the importance of supporting each other's artistic journeys despite challenges.
Artistic Influence and Inspiration [00:31:32 - 00:36:55]:
The conversation delves into the intersection of politics and art, with a focus on the effectiveness and interpretation of political messages in artwork.
Jamian Juliano-Villani shares insights into her artistic process, referencing various influences such as Ralph Bakshi and Christian Ludwig Attersee. They explore the evolution of their artistic vision over time and the significance of past experiences in shaping their current work.
Artistic Freedom and Expression [00:33:11 - 00:37:45]:
They discuss the importance of maintaining artistic autonomy and resisting external constraints on creative expression. The conversation touches on the dynamic between artists and gallery owners, highlighting the tension between creative freedom and commercial considerations. They reflect on the nature of artistic experimentation and the lessons learned from past experiences, including the reception of controversial artwork.
Collaboration and Community [00:38:11 - 00:43:44]:
They emphasize the value of collaboration and community in the art world, exemplified by projects like "The Patriot," an inclusive group show.
The interview concludes with a tribute to an artist named Julia Jalowiec, underscoring the importance of empathy, kindness, and support within the artistic community.
Learn more about Jamian's work here:
gagosian.com/exhibitions/2024...
massimodecarlo.com/artists/ja...
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