Valentina Gelain (1992, Feltre) graduated in Visual Arts (BA-MA) from the Brera Academy of
Fine Arts, Milan. Currently the interdisciplinary
visual artist is based in Ostrobothnia, Finland.
'Through subjective experience
and introspection, Gelain investigates issues related to human existentialism,
drawing directly from the mental and emotional, symbolic and dreamlike sphere.
Her research is based on the practice of confrontation, openness and
dialogue, trying to break down barriers, reach and touch the other through
intimate reflections and genuine experiences.
The artist wants to give space to parts of our being, invisible to
the eye, which are often still rejected, misunderstood and victims of
indifference, recalling the open mind and understanding of the others starting
from ourselves.
Stretching a thread between consciousness and unconsciousness,
between vision and figuration, the balance oscillates between introspective
investigation and the search for an empathic balance.
Thanks to this plural opening of perceptions, various research
themes are touched upon, such as inner conflicts, mental landscapes and
redemption, through a synergy between form and content, between image and intention.
Interdisciplinary artist, Gelain explores subjects and figurations
through different languages and means of communication, which can help to best
express her work vision.'
In recent years, the artist participated in cultural
initiatives, art projects, exhibitions and collaborated with various colleagues
and organisations, both nationally and internationally.
In 2018, Gelain & Hasaj founded Black Box
Genesis® and ran the art space in the city of Vaasa until 2021. Gelain is among
the artists of Malakta rf and members of Globe Art Point ry.
In 2020 the artist collaborated with the city of
Vaasa on the realization of a mural painting, and in 2021 was selected for
Mural Rural Festival, organised by Art in Malakta rf. In 2022, she took part in
a residency programme curated by Artists' Residecy Swap and the Finnish
Institute in UK+Ireland, and worked on the exhibition project 'Dripping
Cavities', granted by Svensk-Österbottniska Samfundet and Svenska
Kulturfonden.
Gelain is a member of Artists' Association MUU and in 2022 was a finalist for the Exibart Prize, We
Art Open and Premio Combat Prize.
Venues where the artist has exhibited include: MUU Helsinki Contemporary Art Centre, Cable Factory (Helsinki, Finland), Galleria Albert IX (Helsinki, Finland), Pasila Urban Art Center (Helsinki,
Finland), Makers’ Gallery (Vaasa, Finland), Ibis Photo Gallery (Vaasa, Finland), National Historical Museum of Tirana
(Albania), GAD - Giudecca Art District (Venice, Italy), Museo
Giovanni Fattori (Livorno, Italy), Sale Agello (Crema, Italy) and La Casa delle Artiste (Milan, Italy). In 2023, the duo exhibition ‘Dripping Cavities’ will be displayed at
Vaasa Art Gallery.
About/Statement: www.blackboxgenesis.com/about-us/valentina-gelain
CV: www.blackboxgenesis.com/curriculum-vitae-valetina-gelain
Portfolio: www.blackboxgenesis.com/about-us/valentina-gelain/curriculum-vitae
