KINTU STUDIO TALK: JESS ILFU-SOI

KINTU STUDIO: Hi Jess, how are you? Your studio looks so cozy, for how long are you here in Ajuda? 

JESSICA: Hello Sylwia, thank you for coming! So glad you liked the space. It has been my second home for 14 months. We’ve put a lot of work and care into it. The vision was to make it feel homey and a space to gather friends and exchange experiences and energy. 

KINTU STUDIO: How did you started, I know that your background is in different area. Tell us more about this part.

JESSICA: I wanderer for a bit in my early 20s before jumping fully into the arts. I studied Translation in college but it was very clear to me from the begging that that wasn’t the path I wanted to pursuit in the long run. Then I dwelved into writing and painting, worked in design until I realized it was time to jump into my own practice.

 

KINTU STUDIO: You mentioned, that you were born in Angola but for the last years you are living in Lisbon. Do you think that in your art you can find some African inspiration? 

JESSICA: Most definitely. I left Angola at a very young age but the relationship with it was always stablished by my family, who made sure to pass on the stories and the importance of belonging even though I’ve been living in Portugal my whole life. The same happens with the other parts of my heritage, my late grandfather was originally from Macau and being raised by my grandmother (his wife) took a huge part on the way I perceive myself, my roots and ancestors and how all of those parts play a significant role in my creations. From the organic shapes you can find in all pieces, some resembling the female figure and it’s voluptuous, curvy lines, typically from African wooden-carved statues, the presence of nature and spirituality — two elements that have major relevance in both African an Asian cultures. 

KINTU STUDIO: in your family there are any other artists?

JESSICA: My older brother, he’s a videographer who has been painting and dancing from an early age. I definitely looked up to him growing up.

KINTU STUDIO: are you going often to visit your family in Angola?

JESSICA: I wish to go more. The last time I went was in 2011 and stayed there for a year. Now I wish to come back with more maturity, to see and feel it differently. 

KINTU STUDIO: Your sculptures, are very curvy with natural shapes. Where inspiration is coming from?

JESSICA: It comes from different streams, depending on what I’m channeling or feeling in that specific moment, but somehow they all turn out to have the same curvy, biomorphic feel. I believe is something rooted in me that I’m still unveiling while developing my style. But it’s a mix between a dream and a dejà-vu as if I’ve seen them before they existed and then they materialize in an intuitive way. 

KINTU STUDIO: I know that in November you will have your first solo exhibition, How do you feel about that? Are you stressed about that? Actually Im very excited to see what you will prepare for this :) 

JESSICA: I wouldn’t say stressed but definitely excited, it’s a build up since I still have some months ahead so it’s a meditative part where I’m conceptualizing how’s it going to be, how I want the experience to feel to the public and just show my best

work. 

KINTU STUDIO: whats next, how do you see yourself in upcoming years? 

JESSICA: My aspiration is to continually expand my knowledge and expertise across various mediums. I envision delving into larger scales and exploring diverse spaces to deepen my understanding. Additionally, I am eager to showcase my work internationally in the near future, as it presents an exciting opportunity for growth and exposure.

KINTU STUDIO: Thank you so much Jess for having us and our talk :) 

Photos by Kora Rogina