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Today, we are pleased to introduce you to Austrian artist Florine Imo, a figurative painter who currently divides her time between Vienna and London. Recently graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, her diploma works explore the themes of judgment, spirituality, and femininity. Imo primarily works with acrylic and oil on canvas, but her artistic journey has expanded into sculpture.
Delving into various facets of spirituality, Florine’s works challenge societal norms and perceptions with narratives woven through extreme contrasts. Metaphors come to life in her universe, where otherworldly beings and objects become actors in a dance of ideas, manifesting as paintings or sculptures. Her artistic evolution has taken her from stereotypical “girly” paintings to depictions of sirens, goddesses, the seven deadly sins, and the exploration of angels. Amid various projects, Florine has presented two solo shows in 2023, collaborating with Steve Turner LA and Hew Hood Gallery in London. Her work continuously evolves, confronting new subjects and captivating audiences, focusing on exploring the human experience.
Florine! Thank you for taking the time to speak to me. Could you describe yourself to those who do not know you?
Florine: Hello! I’m Florine, an artist based mainly in Vienna, Austria, where I recently graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in figurative painting. While painting takes center stage in my artistic journey, I’ve delved into sculpture, adding a new dimension to my creative exploration. My works delve into various facets of spirituality and explore different aspects of femininity. I’m particularly drawn to extreme contrasts in the broader sense and within the realm of femininity, where I’m embracing the sharp and soft, the nurturing and terrifying, and the interplay between good and evil. In my artistic process, I like to discover metaphors and conjure otherworldly beings or objects that serve as actors who are transforming my ideas into paintings or sculptures. I envision my work as a universe precisely constructed over the years. This journey has seen the realization of two solo exhibitions this year, both revolving around the central theme of judgment. Exploring concepts like the male gaze, societal expectations of strong female characters, and the broader perception of femininity in today’s public eye, I’ve woven narratives that touch upon contemporary beauty standards and work mentality. As I venture into a new chapter, my current focus is on a new series depicting various winged figures, exploring similar topics surrounding the realm of judgment while diving into the concept of forgiveness simultaneously.
What is a regular day like for you?
Florine: My daily routine is like a comedy sketch; it depends on where I am and what chaos is unfolding. I love to travel and change locations, enjoying time in different cities and painting wherever I go. The vibe also varies based on whether I’m hustlin towards a deadline, wrapping up paintings, or just cruising along in good timing. My day typically starts with a jolt of coffee and some baller (German word for intense electronic music). Then, I either hit the gym or cruise directly to my studio on my bike. Vienna, despite being relatively small, is a spontaneous paradise. I share my studio with good friends, nestled among numerous galleries and cafes, basking in the most beautiful daylight. On a regular day, I’m immersed in painting, responding to emails, sketching, and brewing ideas for new projects. Breaks often involve catching up with a friend for a drink or coffee; I like to go dancing or do something fun on the weekends. But let’s get real. More often than not, my reality is a bit wilder. I’m pulling those late-night shifts, painting through nights at least four times a week and trying to stick to a regular day-night rhythm? It’s a constant struggle. In my past life, I must have been a vampire.
Can you describe your artistic journey and what drove you to choose this career path?
Florine: I always knew I had to do something in the creative field. When I was young, I thought I would be a graphic designer, so I tried approaching that path first but learned quickly that I needed to do everything manually with my hands. I had my first studio right after high school and was lucky enough to be accepted by the Academy here in Vienna, where I spent seven years painting and learning. It has changed everything for me. Being surrounded by talented artists and immersed in a rich artistic atmosphere made me realize this is where I was meant to be.
What does your creative process look like?
Florine: It’s tough to put into words. Ever since I crafted my universe, new ideas seamlessly blend into existing ones. It’s like whatever inspires me now – be it a movie, a song, a person, a story, a dream, you name it – already translates itself in my mind, finding expression within the rules of my universe. From the moment I delved into defining the characteristics of my female figures, unraveling their spirits and stories, one idea naturally spawned another. On the one hand, my ideas are highly visual. I might envision an image and instantly grasp how I want the light to play, the skin to radiate, and the facial expression to manifest. I also glimpse the overall composition and colors, though nothing is overly defined. But beyond the visuals, there’s a specific feeling tied to each figure – a sensation I aim to evoke within myself. For me, painting is more than just crafting 2D images. The figures I paint today morph into otherworldly beings. Their presence transcends over the edge of the canvas into each corner of the room. I want to fill a space with a mood that is impossible to ignore, something that infests your brain like a song stuck in your head for days.
Can we dig deeper into your painting style, influences, and message?
Florine: During my years of study, I consciously refrained from delving too deeply into the work of other contemporary artists. My intention was to create in isolation and develop my artistic voice. However, my perspective has since shifted. I hold immense admiration for contemporary painters and make an effort to attend as many shows as possible. What has always fascinated me is the beauty and complexity of universes in figurative painting. I find the most inspiring artists to be those who craft their cosmos, inviting observers to immerse themselves in them. In the realm of figurative painting and sculpture, I draw inspiration from contemporary artists deeply connected to their chosen mediums. Each universe is distinctly claimed by its unique technique. In our current era, the presence of female artists exploring the theme of femininity in painting is not an uncommon sight.
Similarly, figurative artists who emphasize visual moods and prioritize the soul of a painting contribute significantly to the rich tapestry of artistic expression. I like envisioning myself as part of this creative collective, shaping my space. However, my artistic influences extend beyond the canvas to include a deep appreciation for animation, particularly the enchanting creations of Studio Ghibli, with “Princess Mononoke” standing out as a personal favorite.
More recently, my inspiration has been drawn from diverse sources such as fashion, American teen horror movies, the ambiance of churches, murals, and music videos featuring artists like Dojo Cat, Princess Nokia, and Kali Uchis – just to name a few. The thematic thread of my work is in a constant state of evolution, unfolding like a captivating story. Despite this dynamic evolution, a consistent element is the belief that the figures I paint possess a soul and a narrative. Contemplating spirituality, I acknowledge that there are aspects of existence beyond our complete understanding, yet they can be sensed or known intuitively. This is how I feel about my latest works, a realm that eludes precise comprehension but invites observers to feel and know the unfolding narrative…you can’t quite catch it or understand it, but you know, and you feel what’s going on by simply observing. Each series I undertake represents a new chapter with its own distinctive theme. In retrospect, I consider my last series as the closing of an entire season, a conclusion that sets the stage for the next chapter.
How do you see your art contributing to the broader conversation in contemporary art?
Florine: A few years ago, my paintings were labeled as “girly paintings.” I find this characterization to be an intriguing avenue for exploration within the realm of contemporary art. Surprisingly, this label ended up reshaping my entire creative process and influencing my two ideas. Initially, I felt irritated and provoked by the term because, let’s face it, anything ending in “Y” can carry a condescending undertone.
Must I resort to making abstract steel sculptures to be taken seriously as a young female artist? In response to being labeled as a creator of “girly paintings,” I embarked on a series depicting stereotypical feminine scenarios inspired by Playboy models, Paris Hilton, Mean Girls, movies like Clueless, etc. These depictions featured beautiful women with an oddly animalistic and unattractive smile.
Unexpectedly, what began as a reaction transformed into a fascinating exploration of contrasting attributes within femininity. Following this, I delved into painting sirens – hypnotically beautiful beings that enticed their victims with an irresistible allure. After that, I introduced my Wolf Dog, conceived initially as an alter ego. With my latest series, “Judgment Day,” I created goddesses presiding over different elements. Over the years, I noticed that my figures absorbed a godly power over the elements in which I embedded them. Painting goddesses of elements seemed like a natural progression. In “Judgment Day,” I contemplated two distinct forms of judgment.
One is rooted in stereotypes that we inevitably encounter and can’t escape. The other is a form of judgment only an otherworldly being can deliver; they see you without the biases of societal norms. Essentially, I closed the circle, stripping the viewers of their power to prejudge and exposing them to the piercing gaze of the ruling entities. Setting aside these reflections, I firmly believe that most works created by contemporary artists contribute something valuable to the ongoing conversation about it. We can’t help but be influenced by the present since that’s all we are.
The exploration of femininity in painting remains a significant theme for me, one that I often revisit. Although I do like to see myself operating without borders or a definition of what I’m painting. In fact, all I’m painting inherently reflects and is influenced by the current cultural landscape.
What are the first things that come to your mind as necessary in your studio?
Florine: Club Mate, good speaker, Liquin.
Which of all places where your art was exhibited is the most memorable, and why?
Florine: Selecting just one standout place is a bit of a challenge, given that most of the shows I’ve been part of in the past year have left a lasting impression, that’s for sure. However, if I had to pinpoint the most impactful one, I’d say it was my first solo show in my hometown, Vienna, in 2020. It was an important moment for me as an artist, being the first time I witnessed people’s reactions to my work. The exhibition titled “Caught in a Loop” featured eight paintings, each portraying various scenarios of conflicts with the self through multiple self-portraits. I adored that series and found immense empowerment in how people identified with their inner struggles and pleasures within those works.
Name one of the most memorable reactions regarding your work.
Florine: I once had dinner with my family in a restaurant, and a girl came up to me and told me she knew me from Instagram. I have felt like a celebrity since then.
What challenges do you feel you face as a working artist?
Florine: When I first ventured into the gallery scene, I was clueless about what to watch out for. Surprisingly, no one guides you through it. I felt I lacked someone who could offer honest advice until I stumbled upon my current circle. Now, I can confidently say that I’m content with the galleries I’m collaborating with, and I’ve got a fantastic group of fellow artists to turn to whenever I’m facing a crisis or needing advice— which is pretty much always. Dealing with the pressure of consistently creating quality work within a specific timeframe, managing bills with an unpredictable income, and often being the ‘crazy art girl’ in the 9-5 bubble present additional uncomfortable challenges.
What is the best advice you were given regarding your art career as an artist?
Florine: Control your market, be patient, and stay completely delusional.
What simple pleasures bring you alive?
Florine: Dancing, smiling at strangers, swimming in the ocean, telling secrets to friends, hugging my mom, recognizing a new leaf on my plant, booking another flight, meeting my painter friends in random cities, listening to a good song while working on a new painting, observing how my ideas transform into reality.
Name a book or film that grabbed your attention recently and why.
Florine: “Jennifer’s Body” is a movie about a popular high school girl who becomes a sacrificial offering to a satanic indie band for more success. Faking her virginity in an attempt to survive, she returns as a male-slaughtering demon with an innocent-like beauty that conceals her true nature. The movie is absolute trash, but Megan Fox, the lead, looks like a goddess. I love it because it delves into the same themes I explored in my recently completed series “7Sin5” (Seven Sins). In researching my new series, I’ve delved into both the Catholic and Satanic Bibles lately – I can’t quite say which one is more shocking at the moment.
What does success mean to you?
Florine: Waking up happy because I can do what I love. Being able to work from different places in the world and being inspired by it constantly. Having people celebrate and support each other while climbing up the ladder together.
How would you like to be seen as an artist years from now?
Florine: I genuinely believe in the significance of being part of a creative collective. I aspire to be recognized as someone who’s supporting fellow artists. Playing a role in helping others take their initial steps and fostering a sense of community is paramount to me. My dream extends to establishing a residency on a tropical island, like a heaven where artists unite to create and mutually support one another. Ultimately, I aim to leave a lasting imprint on spirituality, femininity, and the broader spectrum of human existence through my paintings. My desire is to be remembered as someone who contributed meaningfully to the artistic landscape of our time.
What’s next for Florine Imo?
Florine: I’m based in London at the moment and currently busy painting my new angel series, which will be presented throughout a soloshow with lbf contemporary coming spring. Excitingly, you can also catch some of my work showcased at the Künstlerhaus in Albertina Modern in Vienna next year. Additionally, I have my second solo exhibition lined up in LA with Steve Turner, and if all goes well, I’ll be spending the summer between here and the US again. I’m also panning on heading to Mexico City next winter to explore the vibrant art scene and collect new ideas. There is so much happening now, so what’s next for me is many more night shifts in a studio – wherever that might be!
Name three artists you follow and their journey on Instagram.
Florine: Giorgio Celin, Skyler Chen, Melanie Thöni, Arang Choi…there are so many. These are my close artist friends I’ve been studying with or meeting along my journey.