Iyan de Jesus

IYAN DE JESUS AND THE MECHANICS OF WHIM

After years of making mistakes, and working in obscurity, this self taught

artist finally comes into her own.

By Jacky Lynne A. Oiga

Iyan de Jesus’ passion for the arts transcends all the doors that slammed in her face. When art school proved to be a lost cause, she stuck it out with architectural design while dreaming of her soul’s desire to tell stories with paint and brush.

When she heeded the call of the canvas, not knowing how and where to start, whom to talk to, and what to make up, she let go of her uncertainties and took the plunge. “I came to this industry with nothing but passion. All I knew was I wanted to improve,” Iyan says. But the self-taught artist did more than that.

In 2012, when she broke out in the art scene with various sold out group shows and a first solo exhibit “Mechanical Romanticism,” Iyan’s pastelcolored portraits of nymph-like women set against intricate labyrinths of sprockets, tackles, and gears, stood out like blooming flowers through cracks in the pavement.

Coalescing feminine whimsical elements with the retro-futuristic vibe of Steampunk—a sub-genre of science fiction that depicts steam-powered machinery that has touched on the era’s perspective on fashion, culture, architecture, and art—her works demand more than a quick glance. Those who linger long enough get a glimpse of her most personal recesses. While those who allow her paintings to transport

them to a magical world of expressionless deities that speak through gestures and figures, have to ask, “Who is this Iyan?”

How did you teach yourself to paint?

By trial and error. I’d research on Google and watch how-to videos on YouTube. It’s very difficult. Most of the time I didn’t know what I’m doing, on the off times when I feel like I got it all figured out, the paint ends up cracking on me. It took me a while to get around the technicalities, just a matter of seeking out different ways of doing things. But I never gave up—after a year my works started to look more decent.

What’s your creative aesthetic?

My style is a result of the juxtaposition of whimsical realism and the mechanical mood of Steampunk. Other visual signatures would be the illusion of embossed elements, clean lines, and smooth surfaces. I am very keen to detail, spit and spat. I’m a bit O.C. when it comes to painting.

What got you into Steampunk?

I learned about Steampunk in college. I was instantly fascinated with the cogs, gears, and Victorian machineries. I enjoy painting them because I’m a sucker for details. When I incorporate these mechanical details into the canvas, for me it stimulates the function of nature and other things. You seem to be obsessed with details, how do you know when you’re done? I know I’m done when I don’t feel ‘I don’t look at it as a job but something very personal. I don’t want to be like a robot, painting 24/7, because it will show in my pieces.’ like I need to add something more. I feel a certain satisfaction just by looking by it.

When did you start drawing/painting?

I’ve been drawing as early as I can remember—mostly on our living room walls. I remember my first ever drawing on the wall was inspired by an episode in “Batibot.” I drew the number one dressed like a husband, and the number five as a pregnant wife, I drew them

using my tita’s eyeliner. (Laughs) Where do you draw inspiration from? Through personal experiences, I like telling stories through personal expression. Lately I find inspiration from books by Hans Christian Andersen, Haruki Murakami, Roald Dahl, and Franz Kafka. I love e.e. cummings’ poem “The Moon Is Hiding In” as much as I love listening to songs by Her Space Holiday.

Do you have a dream subject?

None. All the portraits I paint are all imagined. Sometimes when I’m having a hard time shading a nose, or some other facial feature, I Google for references, aside from that, nothing more. I’m self-taught so I don’t know anything about the human anatomy, so if I need a reference for a foot, a hand, a shoulder, or leg, I just look at my own body. I’m quite possessive with my paintings, gusto ko sa akin galing lahat. (Laughs)

Who are the artists you look up to?

I was greatly influenced by Italian artist Michäel Zancan. Back when I didn’t know how and where to start, his blog and his works moved me to be the artist I am now. His style is magical realism that usually conjures fairies and other fantasy beings. The clean lines, intricate

details, and alabaster skin of my portraits I got from him. I added him on Facebook and told him how his works inspired me to finally take a leap into painting. He was very nice and appreciative. He even Likes the artworks that I post.

What’s next for you?

I just want to continue doing what I do now and, with hope, continue to improve my skills and aesthetic. I’m also interested in learning about sculpture and wood carving.

Any advice for other aspiring young artists?

Don’t give up on your dream. Kung hindi ka hihinto, dadating din ’yan (it will come, unless you stop dreaming it). Nurture your passion, work hard, and stay dedicated. It doesn’t matter if you sell your works or not. What’s important is you do your thing and you get fulfilment out of it.