Olive Jagha
she/her
As is above, so is below
‘As is above, so is below', a work created by Olive Jagha, delves into the conceptualisation of human origination, inspired by the phenomenon of collective dreaming. The work's purpose is to reconnect us through its depiction of a neutral landscape, reminiscent of Africa's original state as the primal land we once inhabited. Today, the womb represents the last remaining neutral space, free of internal biases, though not immune to external influences.
Jagha is a multimedia artist, using soft materials, metal, natural materials and sound to create this work. The interplay between soft and hard materials creates a juxtaposition of strength and tenderness, embodying the dual capacity to carry life and nurture it.
Accessibility was a fundamental consideration in creating this work. Given that dreaming and origins does not exclude, Jagha believes neither should the art-world. The goal is to enhance spaces and open galleries to greater diversity.
As is above so is below, mirror to the sky
As is above so is below, flowers where scars once were
As is above so is below, flowers where scars once were
Research
Welding to create the bones/ frame of the womb
Process of thinking through making. Deciding to create a window in the womb to mirror the sky-line where I decided the work was to be hung. Allowing nature to play a role in my work. Work looking different in different weather and at different times of the day. Playing with the limitless but also limited nature of time.
Eco-printing, sustainability within the world of textiles, collecting methods of making and designing without energy, buying things new. Understanding how capitalism relies on discrimination to work.
Flag making experiments. Embroidery, 'pigin' English, tufting. 'No man's land'. Making decisions and experimenting with the use of flags, unconventionality of flags I can make, codes within flags and what neutrality can be created in flags, e.g, lack of writing, universal images and shapes, non confrontational colour, white flag meaning 'I come in peace'.
Painting dreams, I or others have had. Painting to create surrealist art to publish with work. Inspired by 2022 Venice Biennale 'The Milk of Dreams'.