Meet Filipino visual artist, Johanna Helmuth.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a Filipina with a German name. I have a twin. I’m a full-time artist. I love vintage things. I like going to thrift stores. Very appreciative of used stuff cause it always has something behind it. I’m always curious. I’m amused with changing objects from their first form or purpose. I like dressing up and taking photographs. And creating anything gives me the thrill and drive from the process down to executing cause it feels so exciting and you never really know what the outcome is.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I’m currently living in Greenhills San Juan, this is the longest I’ve stayed regarding studio life. I was always moving after 6months or a year. I love how busy and lively San Juan is and how near I am to galleries, art supplies, groceries, and restaurants within the Metro.

But I originally grew up in Makati City they have the same vibe.

I love how busy and lively San Juan is and how near I am to galleries, art supplies, groceries, and restaurants within the Metro.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The best is the accessibility and the worst is all the loud horns and the traffic but I’ve gotten used to it. I try to work around it.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Active

Spontaneous

Undervalued

How did you start your career in art?

After school, my friends and I would attend opening nights at different art galleries and museums for fun and did it almost regularly. I was also painting for fun and I knew then that I didn’t want to work in advertising. It was when contemporary Filipino artist Lynyrd Paras welcomed us in his studio that I began to understand everything what an art studio really was, the process, materials being used, and it grew to me and I fell in love with all of it. My friends and I formed a group called Studio 1616 and held exhibits up until I graduated college, had my first solo exhibit and eventually joined TWA Art Projects.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Since I was 18 I was surrounded by friends that had the same curiosity and passion for the arts and we supported each other all the way. I also explained to my family that I genuinely wanted to do it and they were very understanding of it.

I want to expand my artistic expression through different mediums like video, installation, and whatever way feels scary and exciting to do.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I want to expand my artistic expression through different mediums like video, installation, and whatever way feels scary and exciting to do. We never really stop learning so I hope to take more risks and also inspire others and push them to their full potential.

To be able to leave a footprint in the visual arts culture in the Philippines is already a blessing.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

I can give a very long list of visual artists that I would dream to collaborate with but for my soul, I’d say Liza Koshy.

How would you describe the women around you?

Strong, Forgiving, and Brave.

Strong, Forgiving, and Brave.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

It was only during my college years that I knew of local Filipina artists and since then I’ve looked up to Mac Valdezco, Wawi Navarroza, and Elaine Navas.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

To me, I have never felt that gender was a hindrance in the visual arts community. Everyone is welcome.

To me, I have never felt that gender was a hindrance in the visual arts community. Everyone is welcome.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Don’t be afraid to try. Don’t be afraid to be you. Explore all mediums. Visit museums and art galleries. And have fun.

Photos courtesy of Johanna Helmuth.