Who are you?
I am void and matter, spiritual and physical, visible and invisible.
© Daniela Yohannes, Courtesy of the artist.
Are you human?
I am from distant outer space, yet earthbound. I feel compelled by earth and all its complexities.
Do you believe in intuition?
I do, it is a powerful tool. It acts like a radar, a navigation device, a psychic knowing. If we can learn to listen to it on a deeper level, who knows where it may lead us? It is for me a deep connection to the source, which guides all life.
Are you optimistic?
I used to be, but I have learnt to welcome life in its totality. Embracing the full spectrum of emotions.
Untitled (Acqua series), 54 cm x 65 cm, Mixed medium and collage on linen, 2016 © Daniela Yohannes, Courtesy of the artist.
How would you describe the future?
In constant motion.
Are magic and technology opposed?
One imitates the other, technology is a manifestation of man’s will and desire to go beyond. Magic is far more complex and given far less importance.
What difference(s) between dreams, desires and projections?
I’m more interested in how these three interlink with our inner life. In the deepest dwellings of our minds live the dreams, desires and projections. How these emotions intermingle reveals the inner longing, the inner pain and inner freedom and desires of our conscious life. That to me is more compelling.
Untitled (Abstract Dreams series), 61 cm x 50 cm, Mixed medium and collage on canvas, 2016 © Daniela Yohannes, Courtesy of the artist.
What does “fantasy” mean?
Creation.
Do you feel like a stranger? If you do, towards what?
At times I feel a yearning for belonging, other times I feel content in my cave.
Oculus Sea (Acqua series), 73 cm x 92 cm, Mixed medium and collage on linen, 2016 © Daniela Yohannes, Courtesy of the artist.
What does “blackness” mean? And what about “Afro-ness”?
Eternal space.
An identity….?
What is Africa?
A portal.
The Kingdom, 92 cm x 92 cm, Mixed medium on Canvas, 2013 © Daniela Yohannes, Courtesy of the artist.
Has Africa got anything to learn to/from the world?
By entering this portal, time becomes an illusion, the past, present and future weave together. These three simultaneously exist revelling the unique wisdom, knowledge and creativity of this continent. Africa has been teaching from the beginning of time. If we have a respectful gaze upon this continent, we may understand true living.
What is its future?
Africa will forever be the pulsing heart of the earth. It will continue to pump life and energy to the earth. Its future is in the hands of the African peoples and its diaspora. Africa is an innovator and must not succumb to the world’s agenda, but continue to build upon its history.
Untitled (The Inner Life series), 116 cm x 89 cm, Mixed medium and collage on linen, 2015 © Daniela Yohannes, Courtesy of the artist.
What is afrofuturism?
I think it is a black planet floating in black space with black people, accelerating black ideas.
Are you an afrofuturist?
What a radical title!…I’ll take it!
Nipples and stars (The Inner Life series), 50 cm x 64 cm, Mixed medium and collage on linen, 2015 © Daniela Yohannes, Courtesy of the artist.
What is the last thing that you have learned?
This world is a hostile paradise.
Where were you on Friday April 20th, 2063?
In a hot dry, desert-like landscape where my old bones can feel the healing heat of the sun.
When splendour raptures (The Inner Life series), 116 cm x 89 cm, Mixed medium and collage on canvas, 2015 © Daniela Yohannes, Courtesy of the artist.
A soundtrack?
Describe the end of the world.
The world as I know it will die with me. I can’t conceive beyond this.
Void (Abstract Dreams series), 116 cm x 89 cm, Mixed medium and collage on linen, 2016 © Daniela Yohannes, Courtesy of the artist.
And if you had to start over again?
I’d rather not, but If I had to, then I would have no fear.
Any last word?
Keep love in your heart and revolution in the mind.
No Poor Among Us, 46 cm x 38 cm, Mixed medium and collage on canvas panel, 2013 © Daniela Yohannes, Courtesy of the artist.
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Cover : Daniela I’m your mother (Abstract Dreams series), 2 canvases each 50 cm x 61 cm, Mixed medium and collage on canvas, 2016 © Daniela Yohannes, Courtesy of the artist.