artist, she/her, NL/BR, based in Amsterdam,
curious how people observe themselves
and the world they are part of.
WORK
PROJECTS/ WORKSHOPS
Love Letters (series)
2024
Collage of selfmade paper and black ink drawings
(Various sizes from 25 x 20 cm up to 40 x 50 cm)
This project began with the act of transforming personal writings - old diary fragments, handwritten notes and unsent letters - into new sheets of handmade paper. Traces of the original texts remain, quietly embedded in the material.
Using a calligraphy brush and black ink, Joana wrote new lines onto the paper, each brushstroke guided by a single breath. This technique is inspired by Sumi-e, Japanese traditional ink painting significantly influenced by Zen Buddhism and Taoism, in which Joana took private classes with Mathilde de Vries. Not long after being deeply touched and inspired by this heartwarming teacher, De Vries passed away after a short illness.
The Love Letter Series (2024) are a dedication to a profound gratitude and love for life and the circular process of holding with care and letting go. Subsequently, the once continuous, flowing lines and shapes drawn on the recycled paper were torn apart again. After periods of moving the fragmented and seemingly chaotic pieces around, new harmoneous compositions fell into place leading to these series of sculptural 2D-works.
Photography by Liza ZilverPoem on the process of holding with care and carefully letting go. (January 2025)