Angeles one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '24

Angeles Jacobi, an emerging artist coming from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and now sharing her time between Buenos Aires and Berlin, discovered her unique approach to art through a simple mistake while embroidering—an error that led her to backtrack, to unravel her work.

The act of unraveling, the feeling of going back in her embroidery, fascinated her. It's this fascination that now defines her art—gradually unraveling her own creations. Jacobi's chosen mediums are textiles, embroidery, and weaving, and her signature technique involves slowly unveiling her work, exposing hidden stories and symbols.

In her time as an artist, Jacobi has already made an impact. Her art has been displayed in both solo and group exhibitions, earning her recognition. Notable among her exhibitions is the solo showcase 'Sobre Limites y Fronteras' at Uno + Uno in Buenos Aires, where her pieces resonated with viewers. Additionally, Jacobi's distinct vision has secured her a place in the group show at Museo de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, as part of the esteemed BIENAL SUR, marking her as an emerging talent in the global art community.

Jacobi's art invites viewers to explore the intricacies of life, contemplate the passage of time, and consider the fusion of traditional wisdom with contemporary creativity. Each artwork serves as a narrative thread, connecting the past with the future. Her journey, initiated by a simple mistake, emphasises the unexpected wellspring of inspiration that can be found in the creative process.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How would you describe your artistic style and what inspires your work?

My artistic style is deeply rooted in the interplay of textiles and kinetic elements. I create works that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology. My pieces often involve knittings and embroideries, which are combined with motorized spindle-shape mechanisms. These mechanisms are programmed to unravel the textiles during exhibitions, creating a dynamic and ever-changing experience. Inspiration for my work comes from the world around me and how I can relate current events and societal shifts to the transformative essence of my art.

Living between Berlin and Buenos Aires has exposed me to diverse artistic traditions and perspectives, and this cross-cultural influence finds its way into my creations. I'm fascinated by the concept of transformation and the idea that art can be in a constant state of change. This fascination with movement and transformation serves as a driving force in my work. In particular, I aim to connect my work with personal experiences, but with the intention of making them universally relatable. I believe that art should be a bridge for people to connect with each other and with the world. By infusing my pieces with elements of change and adaptability, I hope to create a dialogue between my art and the audience, inviting them to reflect on the transformative nature of life itself.

Could you share a memorable anecdote or story from your artistic journey that has had a lasting impact on you?

One of the most memorable moments in my artistic journey came from a mistake, an unexpected twist that ultimately had a profound impact on my work: I was experimenting with embroidery, specifically using the punch needle technique, and I made a critical error. I had to pull the thread and undo a significant portion of my work.

This mistake was initially frustrating, but it's often in these moments of setback that creativity can flourish. I couldn't shake the image of the unraveling thread, the idea of undoing and reimagining the artistic process. It was an interesting moment for me, and it became the seed of an entirely new approach to my art. This experience led to the development of my signature technique involving motorised mechanisms that unravel the textiles during exhibitions.

The mistake served as a reminder that art isn't just about the finished product; it's about the process, the transformation, and the willingness to adapt when things go awry. It taught me that unexpected turns can lead to the most innovative and meaningful artistic expressions. So, in a way, that mistake was a pivotal moment in my artistic journey, shaping the way I approach my work and emphasising the significance of change and transformation in both art and life.

What emotions or messages do you hope to convey through your work, and why are they important to you?

While transformation is a central theme in my work, I'm also deeply interested in the complex emotions surrounding loss and how to resolve that feeling. The interplay of these themes is essential in my artistic expression. Depending on the concept of each artwork, the specific message and emotion may vary, but my overarching goal is to provoke an emotional response in the viewer. I want my work to serve as a catalyst for introspection and questioning, both about the changes, transformations, and losses in the world and in their personal lives.

Loss is a universal experience, and it often triggers powerful emotions that we all grapple with at some point. My work serves as a medium to explore these emotions, to express the often intricate process of healing and transformation that can follow loss. In essence, I aim to fostering dialogue, empathy, and reflection about the human condition, addressing not just the positive aspects of transformation but also the challenging and emotionally charged facets of life.

Can you talk about a specific piece or series that holds a special significance to you?

The project 'The Home We Built' holds immense significance to me, even though it's a work that has yet to be brought to life. This concept has been in my mind for quite some time, and I'm passionate about the message it carries. 'The Home We Built' is a large-scale crocheted house, in which the spindle-shaped mechanism will be placed inside the house and programmed to unravel the structure from within.

What does it aim to touch on?

'The Home We Built' it's a commentary on the global issue of displacement and the loss of homes due to various factors: political, societal, or even environmental. The act of unraveling signifies the fragility of our safety and shelter.

'The Home We Built' also delves into the realm of personal relationships and how they can be the metaphorical foundation of our 'homes.' Just as external forces can disrupt physical spaces, internal conflicts can lead to the unraveling of the emotional and relational 'homes' we create.

For me, this project represents an opportunity to engage with complex emotions surrounding loss, vulnerability, and transformation on both a global and personal scale. It's a reflection of the world's current state but also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. I hope to bring 'The Home we Built' to life one day, as it encapsulates the essence of what I strive to convey through my art.

Can you describe your creative process and the themes or concepts that drive your work?

I usually find inspiration from current events and news to other artworks, images, and even the everyday experiences of life in Berlin and Buenos Aires. This initial inspiration typically sparks a feeling or idea that I'm eager to express through my art. Once I have a conceptual foundation, I embark on the technical aspect of bringing my ideas to life. Each of my artworks is unique, and I must adapt my technique to suit the specific piece.

“Each of my artworks is unique, and I must adapt my technique to suit the specific piece.”

This involves a period of experimentation and testing to determine the most effective way to make the artwork unravel as I envision it.

How do you stay motivated and inspired in your artistic practice?

The belief that my art can represent something meaningful to others is a powerful source of motivation. I see my work as a bridge, a means of connecting with people on a profound level, and this mission keeps me motivated to continue. While the path of an artist can be filled with obstacles and uncertainties, I genuinely feel that creating art is something I need to do, rather than merely something I want to do.

This inner drive helps me to move forward, reminding me of the importance of my creative expression and its potential impact on the viewers.

How do you balance your artistic career with the business aspect of being an artist?

Balancing my artistic career with the business side of being an artist is undoubtedly a challenge, especially when many of my artworks are installations that could be described as 'ephemeral' or 'performatic.' Adapting to the demands of both the creative and business aspects is an ongoing process, and I'm exploring different strategies to make it work. It's a challenging path, but I'm finding ways to ensure that my artistic voice can be heard and appreciated by a broader audience.

How do you see the role of contemporary art in today's society, and how do you see your work contributing to this?

The role of contemporary art in today's society is multi-faceted and holds great significance. It serves as a reflection of our ever-evolving world, offering a lens through which we can explore, question, and respond to the complexities of modern life. Contemporary art is a catalyst for dialogue, social critique, and a source of inspiration.

As a contemporary artist, I hope to spark discussions and encourage viewers to think critically about the challenges and opportunities that define our time. My work is a reflection of the world as it changes, and it seeks to provoke and evoke emotion in a way that resonates with the contemporary landscapes.

See more of Angeles’ work

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