Januario Jano Blurs the Boundaries Between Art, Identity, and Global Narratives
Photo: Januario Jano, a visionary contemporary artist, seamlessly blending mediums to explore identity, cultural narratives, and the impact of global interconnectedness.
The Body As A Vessel Of Culture And History
Januario Jano’s interdisciplinary art examines identity, home, and cultural narratives, blending mediums to explore globalization, reality, fiction, and community engagement, while fostering cultural dialogue through initiatives like Pés Descalços and TEDxLuanda.
Januario Jano is a name that resonates deeply in the contemporary art world—a multifaceted artist whose work transcends mediums and boundaries. From sculpture and video to photography, textile, sound installation, and performance, Jano’s practice is a tapestry of cultural commentary, personal introspection, and social critique. With a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from Goldsmiths University in London, his work is steeped in research, allowing him to confront poignant themes like identity, home, and cultural narratives with depth and nuance. Speaking with MOsaic Digest, Jano opened up about his process, inspirations, and philosophies, offering a glimpse into the mind of an artist who not only creates but also catalyzes cultural and social transformation. Through both his art and his community initiatives, such as the Angola-based cultural collective Pés Descalços and the launch of TEDxLuanda, Jano is solidifying his position as a global artistic force, bridging past and present, fiction and reality.
Januario Jano masterfully infuses research-driven depth into his art, creating culturally resonant, transformative works that inspire thought-provoking connections.
The Intersection of Mediums: Building Bridges Through Art
Jano’s art is a constellation of mediums, each one selected with precision to serve and enhance the ideas he seeks to communicate. His approach begins with rigorous research, a process he describes as both grounding and open to surprise. “The research phase offers both a grounding foundation and a sense of openness to unexpected shifts,” he shared. “It can serve as a point of departure, facilitate and clarify the core themes or ideas I want to explore, but at the same time, it leaves room for those ideas to evolve or take new forms as I engage with the materials.” By embracing a range of mediums—from tactile forms like sculpture and textile to the fluid temporality of video and sound installations—Jano creates an interplay that enriches his overall practice. “The interplay between these mediums enhances the overall depth of the work, as each medium can push the boundaries of how I communicate an idea,” he explained.
“The research phase offers both a grounding foundation
and a sense of openness to unexpected shifts.” – Januario Jano
Fiction, Reality, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves
At the heart of Jano’s work lies a constant negotiation between fiction and reality, particularly in the context of identity and cultural narratives. For the artist, this dynamic provides both a window into contemporary issues and a framework to question deeper societal constructs. “The balance between fiction and reality in my work speaks to the complex layers of identity and cultural narratives,” Jano said. “These topics challenge perceptions of what is ‘true’ or ‘authentic’ in the stories we tell or hear about ourselves and our cultures.” This duality is an essential lens through which Jano approaches themes like migration, globalization, and the representation of marginalized communities. Fiction, he argues, provides a valuable space for reimagining or reframing reality, helping to address power dynamics, historic narratives, and the interconnected factors molding the global social fabric.
Art as a Response to Globalization: Collaboration and Critique
Globalization—both its opportunities and its pitfalls—is a recurring theme in Jano’s art. He views the phenomenon as a crucial lens for examining the interplay of cultures, economies, and technologies, as well as a mechanism for interrogating identity. “In an increasingly interconnected world, the blending of cultures, economies, and technologies creates new spaces for dialogue but also raises questions of power, ownership, and identity,” he reflected. Through his work, Jano creates spaces where histories and narratives collide, allowing abstract ideas—like the cultural flows brought on by globalization—to gain tangible, physical form. This critique of globalization is not merely an artistic exercise but a call for reflection. “Art becomes a platform to reflect on how globalization reshapes our understanding of self and other, exposing the ways identities are constructed, deconstructed, and recontextualized in this global context,” he explained.
Cultural Leadership and the Role of the Artist
Beyond his own practice, Jano is deeply invested in cultural development and social transformation. His initiatives, such as Pés Descalços and TEDxLuanda, exemplify his belief that art and cultural innovation should have a broad, tangible impact on communities. “Pés Descalços started as I felt the need to engage and contribute to the local cultural and artistic landscape outside my own practice,” Jano said. “These cultural initiatives are parallel to my artistic practice in fostering community, dialogue, and engagement with cultural narratives.” Rather than viewing his artistic practice and community initiatives as separate entities, Jano integrates them, embodying a philosophy that art should have both personal and public resonance. “I see the artist as both a creator and a facilitator, someone who bridges diverse perspectives, encouraging collective reflection, social development, and critical thinking,” he affirmed.
Decoding Identity Through Research and the Material World
Jano’s art is deeply informed by research—a key element that underpins every step of his creative process. His studious approach allows him to excavate layers of meaning, uncovering connections between themes like identity, home, and cultural memory. “When dealing with themes like identity and home, the research might involve delving into historical narratives, personal stories, cultural identity, and production,” Jano explained. The resulting work is a harmony of the conceptual and the material, with mediums chosen to amplify the project’s core themes. For instance, Jano might explore the concept of “home” through the architectural, emotional, and cultural dimensions of space, while a study of identity might draw on post-colonial theory, displacement, or oral histories. “These multidisciplinary approaches offer a rich context that informs the final decisions of the project in hand,” he said.
The Body as a Canvas of Culture and History
The body is a recurring symbol within Jano’s practice, representing the nexus of space, culture, and history. As both a physical and metaphorical vessel, the body becomes a site where these complex themes come alive. “The body in my work plays a pivotal role—it acts as a symbol, representing the intersection of space, culture, and history,” Jano shared. His projects explore how the body carries both memory and meaning, functioning as a site of negotiation and contestation within broader societal frameworks. Jano’s depiction of the body varies across projects. In some cases, it appears through physicality, as in his sculptures or performances, while in others, its absence or fragmentation is evoked through video, photography, or sound installations. The flexibility in these representations underscores Jano’s ability to adapt his artistic language to match the nuances of each project’s message.
Looking Forward: A Path of Connection and Transformation
Januario Jano is redefining what it means to be an artist in a globalized world. His ability to weave research, storytelling, and a diverse range of materials into a cohesive artistic vision transforms his work into more than just a visual experience—it becomes a powerful commentary on identity, cultural evolution, and the forces shaping our shared future. Through his artistic practice and his roles as a cultural leader, Jano has made it clear that art is not just about aesthetics but also about building bridges, challenging norms, and fostering transformation. As he continues to innovate and explore, his work serves as a compelling reminder of art’s potential to illuminate the complexities of the human condition in an ever-connected world.
EDITOR’S NOTE
This striking installation from Januario Jano’s solo exhibition, Butaiuri in Tokyo 2024, masterfully juxtaposes texture, color, and form. The central sphere showcases intricate beadwork, drawing the viewer’s eye with a vivid mosaic of black, white, red, and blue. The hanging textile contrasts with its rugged, fragmented appearance, blending glossy black, fiery orange, and coarse materials. Set against a bold red backdrop, the dramatic and minimalistic setting intensifies the artwork’s emotional resonance. Jano skillfully explores themes of imperfection, cultural identity, and materiality, creating a visually captivating and thought-provoking piece.
