The Art of Self-Reflection

Irina Laaja's artistic practice revolves around exploring the relationship between our bodies and ourselves. Dive deep into her thought-provoking sculptures, installations, and performances that challenge societal norms and perceptions surrounding the 'body'.

1. Briefly describe the work you do.

I started off working almost exclusively with textile and mainly in the form of soft sculptures, but in the last couple of years I have expanded my practice into also working with mixed media work, using both textile as well as recycled objects and casting. Using second hand or recycled materials has its limitations, but that’s also what exits me; the hunt and the creativeness that it brings.

2. What or who inspires your work and how has that influenced both your work and your identity as an artist?

Almost all my work circulates around the body and I try to understand, play with and challenge this complex concept that the body is. It has then become natural for me to often use myself and my own body as the starting point. I have found inspiration in other artists working with the body and/or with a feminist perspective, such as Carolee Schneemann, Louise Bourgeois, Frida Kahlo, Jenny Saville, Ana Mendieta, Marina Abramovich, Sarah Lucas, Eva Hesse to name a few.

3. As you reflect on your artistic journey, could you describe the evolution of your identity as an artist and how it has exceeded your initial expectations?

My artistic journey started with studies in Fashion Design and then working as an independent designer for a few years. This has influenced my artistic practice; both in terms of materials and techniques, as well as conceptually. I questioned the way the Fashion industry related to the body as well as my own position within the industry. That internal conflict contributed to my work taking on a different direction. I needed to re-evaluate my use of materials in connection with the body which led me to, instead of working for the body, start to include the body in my work.

4. How do you view the significance of your contribution to contemporary art in a world that is increasingly shaped by technology?

I believe that the entrance of new techniques and mediums doesn’t necessarily mean the end of older ones. I’m quite analog in my way of working and I take inspiration from traditional handcraft techniques, especially in my textile works. I hope that we don’t loose focus on the importance of using our hands and feeling with all our senses, and I guess that’s something I want to hold on to in my work.

5. How do you see the future of your art and the art world evolving in the coming years?

In the beginning of 2023 I was invited to create a Performance piece for Bildmuseet in Umeå, Sweden. This led to a durational performance in a wearable textile sculpture in October 2023. She Wears Her Nerves on Her Sleeve is partly a performance piece, partly a portable sculpture in which I took my starting point in a nervous breakdown and what this would look like if it took its own form. Even though my work often has performative elements like the way I use my own body, this was the first time I moved it out of the studio and performed in front of an audience. Previously, the performative act has happened in the studio and what I show is the end result. I feel like I have unlocked something new, and I’m excited to develop that further.
As for the art world, what I hope to see is an increase in conversations and focus on art and environment. We can see that already, and I think it’s important to see that we as artists don’t stand outside of this. On the contrary, as artists and creative thinkers we should be on the forefront of finding new solutions, since we also have responsibility to reflect upon choice of materials and methods in relation to climate change.

6. Get inspired!

INSTAGRAM: @irina.laaja
WEBSITE: irinalaaja.com