The dance we dance when we are together - Joakim Ojanen

Joakim Ojanen (b. 1985 in Västerås, SE) presents his third solo exhibition The dance we dance when we are together with Ruttkowski;68 in Düsseldorf.

Ojanen creates surreal figures with abstract and deformed bodies. Despite elements reminiscent of animals, they appear strikingly human. Radiating joy, sadness, perplexity, or thoughtfulness, as well as nuances in between and beyond, they openly display their emotions, letting their presence shape their essence.

Through exaggerated facial features and expressive body postures, the characters embody the complexity of human emotions. Emerging from self-reflective moments, initiated by personal experiences and explorations, they capture the multifaceted nature of human sociality. In his paintings, multiple characters interact, developing ambiguous tensions. Some convey harmony, consensuality, and cooperation, while others seem to express conflicting emotions from opposing emotional worlds.

In his latest body of work, Ojanen lets some of the characters evolve into mosaic sculptures. Their robust yet detailed structures complement his distinct bronzes and colorful paintings. Through these vivid and ambivalent expressions, the artist invites viewers to explore the profound depths of the human condition and its continuous transformations.