Jasmyn Milan
Artist at Work
Photo by Hana
Jasmyn Milan wears many hats. We spoke some about her creator lifestyle.
Your interests span music, photography, 3D rendering, the list continues. Which is your favorite method of creation?
I do not have a favorite! I will say that I have been a visual artist more consistently, and I have always loved to draw from when I was a small child. I'm working to merge the worlds of different media by incorporating art, music, and fashion to create my own little world.
This piece is from my series Harsh Realities and Brutal Fatalities. I wanted to create something that shows diversity, but with a new twist, so the camouflage came to mind.
How did you learn your craft?
I've been drawing since I can remember, and I feel like I do not really have any techniques when it comes to traditional art media. I'm still learning a lot everyday. I started playing with digital design in high school and 3D art in college. I mostly learn anything I want to know from online tutorials and firsthand experience at this point.
How much is an artist reflected in their work?
I think artists ARE their work.
This dream was similar to a movie, where I was being held captive and changed into different items by magic. I love making cute, nonbinary villains who are androgynous in nature-these are definitely some of my favorites. I also incorporated the bear from Akira.
How do you make your art?
I experiment with different mediums depending on what I want to do. I create most of my pieces by hand drawing and coloring through Photoshop. I also use 3D platforms, paint, and create installations.
Why Hello Kitty for your Art Ain’t Innocent public art project?
Jasmyn Milan alongside her Art Ain’t Innocent public art piece
Durham, 2020
I chose Hello Kitty because I wanted a figure that most people could recognize and resonate with. There is an anime movie called Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space that heavily inspired the piece. Tamala is an edgy, current interpretation of a Hello Kitty like cat, and the film explores heavy themes such as capitalism and industrialization-which I think can stand behind the face of such a popular, successful, prevalent figure like Hello Kitty. Tamala also explores themes like police brutality, religion, and self discovery in a time where she is surrounded by corruption. I think representing the corruption and evil rooted in capitalism and lack of resources is super important, so Hello Kitty-an innocent hypervisible symbol is a cool tool to use. I also wanted to portray the innocence of the victims who have faced brutality.
What brought you to Durham?
I came to Durham for school at NCCU. I wanted a completely different experience, and I wanted to go to a Historically Black College University after initially attending a Predominantly White Institute. Both of my parents met here, and my dad’s side of my family is from here.
This is another piece from the series Harsh Realities and Brutal Fatalities. In this series, I portray beauty standards and the pressures to alter our images. People, especially femmes, have a lot of conditioning and feel as though we need to look a certain way to get to where we want in life (there are privileges with being conventionally attractive), so this piece is meant to portray that without taking away from people who have had cosmetic surgery, either.
How can art thrive in Durham?
I think increasing opportunities and resources for marginalized people would be a great place to start. Resources for help with a curriculum vitae or CV, proposals, and finding grants would be an improvement here. Plus, we need more opportunities that pay artists fairly.
“Part of my Sweet Dreams series which explores dreams and nightmares I've had.”
What is your definition of a successful gallery?
A successful gallery is an inclusive and experimental place. It’s a community haven and has its own character and heavily supports and believes in the artists displayed. I would love to own a gallery and event space.
How can we buy your art?
jasmynmilan.net or contacting me directly about things I post!