Meet Ivana De Armas | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivana De Armas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivana, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Everything you can imagine is real.” Picasso

Meaning that it is up to us, that reality is negotiable. It’s only depending on our standpoint and ability to imagine and dream. And the best part anyone can learn, it’s a practice. We need to remind ourselves that beauty is in the eye of the observer.
If you think about it, everything, not just artwork, but everything manmade around us began just with imagination.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I often ask myself that question, what sets me apart from others. The thought is each one of us is unique; that is the beauty of life. The way you see things, situations, or even beauty is different for each one of us. We all have our inner world. Some of us only get to spend a few minutes a day in it, while others manage to live in it most of the time. Even with all the influences, experiences in life, with all those layers we must start with the roots and where we come from, culture, and traditions.
I was born in Serbia, a country with a strong homogenous culture and deeply rooted traditions. When I was 23, I immigrated to America which is a multicultural country, and that was the beginning of understanding different cultures and approaches to life in general.
Was it hard, hell yes. I am trying to focus on how to maximize gains while minimizing losses. Adapting to change and trying to learn as much as possible.
In high school and college, where I studied art I learned the rules, but it was the time to learn how to break them. I chose the modern perceptual approach to art. What impresses me are those communities of people, those places of rituals, fashion, deep culture, and colors. Those unique, fashionable, inspiring people are truly living art.
Also for many years, the human race has had an inner desire for tribalism. The loyalty, protection, and friendship we find in the people we choose to surround ourselves with are important. Not only do they determine who we are as individuals, but also how we view and treat the world around us.
In the modern world, we become disconnected from our tribe, and without one we can feel spiritually disconnected. Individualism is becoming a pandemic of this century.
What if our quest for individualism is actually making us miserable?
We live in a world of a period, information and knowledge are easily accessible and fast, but human connection is not. It takes time and patience. There is no filter, right angle, or influencer if you will, that teaches us that. I would love it if my paintings inspired people to connect more deeply with their tribe and to stay honest and unique about what their nature is.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wynwood is one of the most artistic districts, known for its many colorful murals. Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum. The whole area is very inspiring, full of urban graffiti art. One of my favorite places for seeking inspiration. Miami is shaped by many cultural influences, particularly Cuban. One of the Miami areas that you feel like you have been transported to a part of Cuba is Little Havana. Particularly Calle Ocho street with little cafes serving Cuban coffee, food, cigar shops, and refreshing mojitos makes Little Havana an amazing insight into Cuban culture and language and live Latin music.

Brickell Key, surrounded by water this unique island gives the beautiful, breathtaking city panorama, especially at night.

“Magic City” has many things to offer, beautiful beaches, national parks, nightlife, design district, Art Deco architecture- over 800 historic buildings. The Art Deco district is a must-see. Art Deco buildings have a refined linear appearance with stylized, geometric ornamentation. The colors are striking and bold. The favorite colors of the era are deep yellow, red, green, blue, and pink. This timeless decorative arts movement is still really influential and inspiring. Also museums like Vizcaya Museum that has artwork displays over 2000 years old.
Thanks to cultural influences cuisine choices are absolutely endless.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank God for talent, my family for love, my friends for support, and books for inspiration. As well I am grateful to live in Miami, the city that hosts Art Basel almost every year and having the opportunity to be part of it with a solo exhibition. It really helped me get more attention, and meeting some inspiring people, as well seeing the work of some of the biggest influencers in the art world today.
I have to thank the groups of people, tribes that are still existing today and inspire us to change the world we live in.

Website: https://www.ivanadearmas.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivana.de.armas/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivana.dearmas.96