As the year 2024 winds down, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the voices shaping the creative world. Among them is Helena Kotnik, whose art has become a beacon for those drawn to the intersection of color, emotion, and psychology. With degrees in Fine Arts from Barcelona University and Akademie der bildenden Künste in Vienna, and a Master’s degree to her name, Helena has built a thoughtful approach to exploring the human condition.
Her pieces, which she calls “psychological human landscapes,” offer more than just visual appeal—they serve as a lens through which to view the complexities of modern life. Each canvas is a vibrant mosaic of human experience, weaving together emotions, identities, and societal narratives. Helena’s work goes beyond decoration, functioning instead as a conversation starter that spans both history and the present day.
Helena’s creative process is rooted in experimentation. She combines gouache, ink, pencil colors, soft pastels, and watercolor to build intricate, layered compositions. These materials work together to create depth, not only in form but in meaning. At first glance, her art carries a sense of childlike simplicity, but closer inspection reveals layers of commentary on issues that define contemporary life.
In her piece PORSCHE (2024), Helena examines materialism and identity with a sharp, imaginative eye. Using a 70 x 50 cm canvas, she blends vibrant mediums to reinterpret the clichés of modern existence. The title evokes luxury and status, prompting the viewer to question the cultural symbols that dominate our perceptions of success.
On a larger scale, her 100 x 70 cm work QUEER (2024) dives into the multifaceted experiences of LGBTQ+ identity. Created with pencil colors and watercolor, the piece captures a spectrum of emotions, from pride and joy to pain and frustration. A quote accompanying the work reflects the reclaimed power of the word “queer,” transforming it from an insult into a badge of resilience. This duality, present throughout the piece, invites the viewer to consider the weight of labels and the fluidity of identity.
What makes Helena’s work resonate is her ability to engage in a dialogue between the past and the present. Her inspiration draws from historical art movements, yet she reimagines these influences in ways that feel fresh and relevant. Her creations are timeless while being firmly grounded in contemporary thought, making them accessible and thought-provoking.
Helena’s art is also deeply personal, inviting viewers to engage with their own reflections and experiences. Each piece serves as an open-ended narrative, where meaning evolves based on the observer’s perspective. This interplay transforms her art into a shared experience, allowing for connection and introspection.
Unlike many artists, Helena doesn’t seek to offer answers. Instead, she poses questions that linger long after the canvas has been viewed. Her works challenge societal norms, spark curiosity, and invite dialogue without being prescriptive. It’s this openness that gives her art a universal quality—one that resonates across cultural and personal boundaries.
Helena’s journey through 2024 has been one of exploration and expression. With pieces like PORSCHE and QUEER,she pushes artistic boundaries, using color and form to navigate themes of identity, memory, and societal expectations. Her work reminds us that art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a medium for understanding ourselves and the world around us.
As 2024 comes to a close, Helena Kotnik stands as a testament to the transformative power of creativity. Her art, rich with emotion and meaning, continues to ask the questions we might not yet have answers to.
