An Interview with Neža Perovšek
Neža Perovšek approaches her work with the mindset of an archivist, exploring the very human habit of hoarding, the guiding principle of which compulsion dictates the entire process of constructing images. She is primarily interested in compulsive hoarding, its potential causes and the contents of the collected material. Referencing her own digital hoard, she incorporates disparate images into collages, a process which distorts the originals and removes them from their primary context, creating an amalgamation of disjointed details, with the final image hovering somewhere between representational and abstract.
Can you tell us a little bit about you?
I'm an artist based in Ljubljana, Slovenia. I'm primarily a painter, but I occasionally work in video as well. I'm also the co-founder of Das Garage, a nomadic exhibition project that appropriates various utilitarian spaces for the purposes of showcasing artists' work.
What is your artistic process and how has it evolved since you began painting?
I used to work very slowly, planning out every move exactly and spending a lot of time carefully sketching. I was also working with a very limited colour palette. During one lockdown I felt that I was restricting myself too much so I began painting from random reference photos, playing around with colour, which then led to making more complex paintings. Now I'd say my process is much more relaxed, allowing for imperfections and relying more on intuition than strict rules.
How do you incorporate digital medium into your work and what is it about specific images that make you want to create?
All of my paintings begin as a digital sketch. I combine multiple images, play around with opacity, and manipulate shapes and colours until I come to a point where I feel like the image can stand on its own. I then project the finished image onto canvas and paint it. So really the digital in my work is the most creative part of my process. When I'm looking for photographs to use in my sketches I usually look for interesting textures, stark light-dark contrasts and I generally prefer to use photos of objects and places that interest me in some ways.
Why does the concept of 'hoarding' fascinate you?
Hoarding interests me on a personal level, to some extent I can relate to those who hoard. While I couldn't classify myself as a hoarder, I can see some similarities in habits of collecting and keeping objects. I find it fascinating how people who hoard explain their relationship with their objects, what they represent to them and why they find it difficult to divorce themselves from their possessions.
What does 'Abstraction' mean to you?
To me it means the ability to remove an object from its context and manipulate it to suit your own purposes.
Your earliest memory of art?
My parents used to have a print hung in their bedroom that depicted a heavily stylized couple embracing in a forest. For the longest time I couldn't see the couple, instead the shapes reminded me of a tall frog peeking out from behind a tree. I found the frog so whimsical that I'd often watch the print for a while when I was in their room.
Who or what is your biggest artistic inspiration?
I'm mostly inspired by a combination of music, videos, chats with friends, seeing a great exhibition, reading a compelling article etc.
Are there any particular artists that you are currently enjoying?
I've admired Vika Prokopaviciute's paintings for a while, and more recently I discovered the work of Ben Gomes. I'd also like to highlight two artists I know personally, whose work I've been following and enjoying for years, Anže Šmalc and Ajda Kadunc.
What is your favourite book or film and why?
I don't have an all-time favourite, but the most recent film that has stuck with me is Portrait of a lady on fire.
Are you working on any projects you are particularly excited about?
I've recently opened Gesture of moral support in Equrna gallery in Ljubljana, my largest solo exhibition yet. So I'm looking forward to working on some smaller, non-painting projects in the next few months, including producing new exhibitions for Das Garage.