International artists and models Ana Kuni and Linnea Frank recently launched season two of their collaborative exhibition, KuniFrank, at the Orms School of Photography.
The white walls of the spacious fourth-floor venue provided a clean backdrop for their dreamy and majestic works of art.
The special relationship between Ukrainian Kuni and Swedish Frank was first formed on social media.
After Kuni noticed Frank on Instagram, they decided to meet in person and combine their artistic and photographic talents.
The result of this experimental exercise was a successful first season, which took place in February last year.
The public responded positively to their work; loving the concept of a “Creative Sisterhood”, wherein women are encouraged to show support for one another.
Kuni’s style is defined by her use of watercolour, acrylics, spray paint and pigments. In contrast, Frank works with photographs and multiple layers.
The artists used materials, including copper and brass, to saturate their work with different colours and textures.
Ana Kuni
Tell us a little about your background.
I have always been painting and drawing. I started travelling at a young age, doing modelling shoots, I was constantly inspired by new cultures and ideas. I always wanted to capture what words could not express and make fantasy creatures alive. I spent most of my teenage years in Japan and I am a huge fan of their culture.
What are your thoughts on the label of multimedia artist vs reality artist?
As long as the artist pouring her/his heart, mind and soul into the artwork, all media works.
Who are your current art and photography inspirations?
I am currently fascinated by a created character of all my works – The Warrior Girl. I see her as a conscious, compassionate, creative being living in a modern world of today, keeping balance between domestication and wild spirit. I am always looking for inspiration from real women and have been fortunate to meet incredible examples of real life warriors.
Tell us about your latest exhibition KuniFrank Season 2?
KuniFrank Season 2 is our second collaborative exhibition where we wanted to explore in depth the idea of “The Wild Soul”.
We travelled together around remote places, gathering content to create pieces that would remind the viewer of our nature, basic instincts and authentic self.
We work great together as we have different strengths and weaknesses, always having each other’s back and moving along much faster while having so much fun.
What would you like people to take away from your work?
I always aim to create inspirational pieces with depth that would make you feel good about yourself and the world. Good vibes only - is the spirit.
Last words?
Find your talent, stay true to yourself and help others to reach their dreams. Together we can reach the stars.
Linnea Frank
Tell us a little about your background and early influencers?
I’m from Sweden and I studied photography at school and discovered my interest in photography art very early. I was experimenting a lot in the dark room in school and after working as a photo assistant for 3.5 years in Stockholm I had the chance to have my first art exhibition. The feeling when I sold my first piece priceless.
Who are your current art and photography inspirations?
I never really had one person as inspiration but more like different moments, feelings and sounds. I often find inspiration during late nights, when there’s no distractions, listening to music while I’m working by my computer.
Tell us a little about your creative process and subjects?
Well, I take what I have and what I’m in that moment drawn to, sometimes it can be the breakfast food, cracking eggs on bread to get some different colours and textures, and sometimes I’m burning lipsticks. After all the cracking and burning I take photos of it to then use it as layers in my art. I think it’s fascinating what you can do with, for example, stuff you have in your fridge.
Explain your work flow?
It’s a process filled with music, photos and layers. I can sit by the computer for hours playing around in Photoshop until I get what I want. I never know what I’m doing until I’ve done it.
What would you like people to take away from your work?
A feeling! I think it’s amazing how people get different feelings from the same art work. It’s not always about what I felt when I made it, for me it’s about what the viewer feels while looking at it.
Last words?
Always go after what you want.
* To see more of ‘KuniFrank', visit: www.anakuni.com