Agnes Jonas is an illustrator who creates atmospheric digital artworks, creations that are unconsciously led by her mind and emotions.
Artwork by:
Her aesthetic lies in the balance between light and shadow, heavy and soft, expressed through abstract and biomorphic shapes; rejecting the rigid structures of geometric abstraction and is in favour of something much more free-flowing, such as the organic shapes of otherworldly plants and animals.
Jonas does not use titles for her artworks, with a preference on the idea of them existing without labels and to leave things more open for interpretation by its viewers
Abstraction & Empathy
“Art is an expression and response to our emotions. Our innermost thoughts are depicted through the aesthetic experiences we create, which helps others to achieve clarity or resonance with our artwork on a deeper level. Expressing emotions through art has become a way of painting for modern artists and it stretches through multiple contexts.”
Can you please begin by briefly introducing yourself to our readers and what made you gravitate towards illustrations as a form of expression?
Agnes: I am an illustrator creating atmospheric digital artworks. My aesthetic is based on balancing between light and shadow or heavy and soft through abstraction and biomorphic shapes. I am grateful I had access to quality art supplies in our home when I was growing up. I really enjoyed drawing and painting from very early on and it has remained a significant part of my everyday. I studied art and design and moved to London shortly after graduation, although it took me a long time to be able to truly concentrate on this path.
How do you hope for viewers to experience your work?
A: I am happy to share my personal views regarding how I feel about my pieces, but I think I would like to let viewers have their own interpretations. If they experience some kind of connection, I am glad. I like things to be more nuanced. !is could be the reason why I am drawn to abstraction and “fictional” organic shapes. It leaves a bit more space for imagination. !ere is a presence of a slowmotion floating sensation in my work like in outer space or deep underwater. It is peaceful and calming yet there is this unavoidable gloom at the same time.
Would you say that your work is an expression of your emotions? Has the pandemic a#ected you in any way, and in turn, your creative expression?
A: The first couple of months of isolation played a very important role in my practice. It was a real turning point. I felt so inspired by the uninterrupted flow of time that I was finally able to experiment without pressure and develop a new style I am able to identify with and feel excited about. My subconscious melts into my work so my emotions are inevitably a part of it. However, it is not something that comes to my mind when I create.
Read the full interview in
New Norm Magazine Issue 04
In this issue we unfold a thread of personal thoughts and memories, streams of consciousness that influence their identities and narratives.
Featured interviews include Agnes Jonas, Barber & Osgerby, Instrmnt Applied Design, Gris, Klara Leidl, Koto Design, homework, WatchHouse, Ziu I. A , Onoko.
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