The Universe of Florine Imo: A Study in Femininity and Spirituality
Florine Imo is an artist who doesn't just paint; she creates entire worlds.
Her canvases are populated with celestial beings, fierce goddesses, and enigmatic figures that blur the lines between the earthly and the divine.
"Braiding each other’s hair has become a symbol of finding comfort in those closest to us, and it represents the interwoven lives we share collectively. Our stories are intricately woven together, reflecting the Buddhist teaching that 'one is all, and all is one.'"
Florine Imo's exhibitions are not just displays of her work; they are transformative experiences that fully immerse viewers in her artistic vision.
Among her most notable shows is "Judgement Day," held at Steve Turner Gallery in Los Angeles, where Imo presented a powerful series of paintings depicting goddesses ruling over elemental forces such as Water, Sky, Growth, Light, and Fire.
These figures challenged traditional notions of judgment and power, inviting viewers to confront their own biases and perceptions.
Another significant exhibition, "As Light as a Feather," showcased at Lbf Contemporary in London, further explored the themes of femininity and spirituality.
Here, Imo transformed the gallery into a celestial sanctuary, with winged female figures that blurred the lines between earthly imperfection and divine purity.
The show’s immersive environment, complete with ceramic feathers and a floor mimicking celestial pathways, highlighted her ability to create art that transcends the canvas.
Finally, "Trenza," exhibited at Steve Turner Gallery in Los Angeles, delved into the themes of connection and destiny.
Through the intimate act of braiding hair, a recurring motif in the show, Imo explored the intricate bonds between individuals, reflecting her deep interest in the interconnectedness of human experiences.
Florine Imo: (left) "Beach wedding", 25x20cm, acrylic and oil on canvas (right) "Trenza" , 25x20cm, acrylic and oil on canvas | Both Artworks from the Exhibiton "Trenza" at Steve Turner Gallery Los Angeles | Images Courtesy by the Artist
Florine Imo: Artworks -> (left) "just tell me", 40x30cm, acrylic and oil on canvas and (right) "twin flames" detail, 40x30, acrylic and oil on canvas | Both Artworks from the Exhibition "Trenza" at Steve Turner Gallery Los Angeles | Images Courtesy by the Artist
These exhibitions collectively underscore Imo's commitment to creating art that is as emotionally resonant as it is visually striking, making each show a journey into the depths of her creative world
Born in 1995 in Vienna, Austria, Imo is on the path to becoming a significant voice in contemporary art, with her bold explorations of femininity, spirituality, and the complex interplay of light and shadow showing great promise.
What makes Imo's work so compelling is her ability to weave personal narrative with universal themes, creating art that feels both intimate and monumental.
Imo's themes are not just subjects of her paintings; they are the core of her artistic practice.
She explores femininity with a depth that goes beyond mere representation.
Her women are goddesses, not in the traditional sense of being worshipped, but as embodiments of elemental forces and spiritual power.
They judge, they protect, and they challenge the viewer to reconsider their own perceptions of femininity.
Florine Imo: Artwork -> "Earth Angel II", 80x170cm and detail | Image Courtesy of the Artist
Imo's work grapples with the tension between strength and vulnerability, purity and imperfection.
Her goddesses are not distant, untouchable figures; they are relatable in their complexity, often depicted with wounds and scars that speak to their resilience.
Exhibition "Judgment Day" at Steve Turner
The philosophical underpinning of Imo's work is a meditation on judgment and spirituality.
In her "Judgement Day" series, she reimagines the biblical concept of judgment as a force that transcends its religious roots.
Here, judgment is not just about morality; it is about power dynamics and the ways in which societal structures impose their will on individuals.
Each painting in this series features a goddess who rules over an elemental force—Water, Sky, Growth, Light, and Fire—symbolizing the uncontrollable powers that govern human existence.
The goddesses in this series do not merely judge; they invite the viewer to confront their own prejudices and fears, shifting the balance of power and placing the viewer in a position of vulnerability.
Florine Imo: " Have you seen this dog", Installation View, Academy of fine arts Vienna | Image Courtesy by the Artist´s Friends -> About the Project: Florine Imo’s dog sculpture, a central figure in her ongoing series, plays a complex role in her body of work. Originally conceived as an alter ego to the female figure, the dog embodies both sharpness and softness, much like the female subjects in her art today. Acting as a protector, the sculpture provokes an intriguing power dynamic between the figures, challenging interpretations of gender as viewers often mistake the dog for a male counterpart, despite Imo’s intentional ambiguity. The sculpture invites viewers to explore this subtle dialogue between strength and vulnerability
Imo's art practice is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences and philosophical reflections.
Growing up next to a church in a small farmhouse in the Vienna woods, she was surrounded by religious imagery and traditions, which left a lasting impression on her work.
Florine Imo: (left) "pierced hearts, true love," 220x170 cm (right) "as light as a feather" | Image Courtesy by the Artist
However, it was her travels to India and exposure to Buddhist philosophy that expanded her spiritual perspective, leading her to explore the interconnectedness of all phenomena.
This is particularly evident in her latest exhibition, "Trenza," where she delves into the themes of connection and destiny.
Exhibition Florine Imo -> As light as a feather at LBF Contemporary
The act of braiding, a central motif in this exhibition, symbolizes the intimate bonds between individuals and the interconnectedness of their lives.
In "As Light as a Feather," another significant body of work, Imo takes her exploration of spirituality and femininity even further.
Here, she introduces the concept of the Earth Angel, a celestial being that embodies both forgiveness and sacrifice.
These angels, depicted as winged female figures, challenge conventional perceptions of purity and perfection.
Imo's angels are both fragile and indestructible, wounded yet resilient, reflecting the multifaceted nature of femininity.
This series is not just a visual representation of angels; it is an immersive experience that invites viewers to enter a celestial realm where earthly concerns are transcended.
Imo's work is a continuous evolution, a journey that reflects her own growth as an artist and individual.
She is not afraid to confront societal expectations and challenge conventional notions of femininity.
Her earlier works, often labeled as "girly paintings," sparked a radical shift in her approach.
Rather than shying away from this criticism, Imo embraced it, creating a series that exaggerated the very qualities that were being criticized.
This act of defiance marked the beginning of her deep dive into the complexities of femininity, leading to the creation of her goddess figures and celestial beings that now define her work.
Imo's exhibitions are more than just showcases of her work; they are immersive experiences that transform the viewer's perception of reality.
In "As Light as a Feather," for example, the exhibition space is transformed into an otherworldly sanctuary, complete with a floor mimicking celestial pathways and ceramic feathers cascading from the ceiling.
This attention to detail and the creation of an environment that complements her artwork is a hallmark of Imo's practice.
Florin Imo: "As light as a Feather" Exhibition at LBF-Contemporary | Image Courtesy by the Artist and Gallery
She is not just a painter; she is a storyteller, using every element of the exhibition space to enhance the narrative of her work.
Florine Imo invites us to explore the complexities of existence, using her art to challenge, inspire, and transform.
As she evolves, the worlds she creates will continue to ask profound questions, making her journey one to watch.
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Upcoming Projects: Save the Date!
Florine Imo’s upcoming work marks an exciting new chapter as she participates in her first museum group show at the Künstlerhaus Wien this October.
Among the highlights, she will present two ceramic sculptures and a monumental 510x220cm triptych—a bold reinterpretation of The Birth of Venus.
The show will also feature her striking painting Wrath, part of her acclaimed 7Sin5 series from her London debut solo last year, which serves as the exhibition’s central theme.
While we eagerly await the official poster, the show promises to feature flags printed with her painting, adding a dynamic presence to the exhibition space.
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