Interview: Caroline Dejeneffe
Luca Curci talks with Caroline Dejeneffe, honourable mention of ITSLIQUID International Contest – 13th Edition.

Caroline Dejeneffe works across photography, installation and painting to create evocative and immersive projects. Her main focus is on understanding the diversity of embodied life experience alongside the key universal themes that bring our experiences closer together: love, pain and fear. Through her work, she sought to understand how the individual is shaped by society and how society is in turn shaped by the individual. By examining the interplay between these two forces, she provides a unique perspective on the human experience.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Caroline Dejeneffe – Art is incredibly important to me as it provides a means for me to connect with myself and with others. Creating and experiencing art allows me to tap into my innermost thoughts and emotions, and to share them with others in a way that is both meaningful and relatable. When I create art, I am able to express myself in a way that feels authentic and true to who I am. And when I experience the art of others, I am often struck by the ways in which their work resonates with my own experiences and feelings. In this way, art creates a shared connection between people, one that transcends language, culture, and background. Through art, we are all able to connect with each other on a deep and personal level, making us feel like we’re all part of a greater whole.

LC – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
CD – My journey to my current art practice began with a deep fascination for the human experience. From an early age, I found myself drawn to the complexities of the body, the ways in which we navigate our experiences, and how they shape us and our lives. As I pursued my artistic passions, I found myself exploring a range of mediums, including photography, installation, and painting, each of which allowed me to bring my unique vision to life. As I continued to develop my artistic practice, I became increasingly interested in creating work that would resonate with people on a deeper level, and that could be experienced through organic elements, further highlighting the connection between humanity and the natural world. It is my hope that through my art, I can inspire others to think deeply about their own experiences and find new ways to connect with themselves and the world around them.

LC – How is being an artist nowadays?
CD – Being an artist in today’s world is an exciting and dynamic experience. With the advancements in technology, artists have more tools and resources at their disposal than ever before. Whether it’s using digital software to create intricate designs, or utilizing social media to connect with a wider audience, technology has revolutionized the art world. For me personally, technology has been an invaluable asset in my creative process, allowing me to experiment with new techniques and mediums, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. The possibilities are endless, and as technology continues to evolve, I’m excited to see what new and exciting things we’ll be able to create in the years to come.

LC – How much has the city/country in which you grew up/born affected your work as an artist?
CD – Growing up in Paris, and later living in cities such as London, Montreal, New York, Miami, and now Los Angeles, has allowed me to experience the unique characteristics and cultures of each place. What I find fascinating is how each city has its own distinctiveness, which has helped me to not only understand myself better but also to extract what resonates with me the most from each experience. Through these experiences, I’ve been able to reinforce my personality and become more clear about who I am as an artist. The perspectives gained from each city have opened my mind to new possibilities and ways of thinking, which has further enriched my creative process. I believe that these experiences have allowed me to create work that reflects my personal journey and unique vision, and I am grateful for the opportunities that each city has provided me.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
CD – My artwork is primarily focused on exploring the diversity of embodied life experience, with a specific focus on the universal themes that bring us closer together. Love, pain, and fear are key concepts that inform my creative process, and I strive to capture the essence of these emotions in my work. Whether through photography, painting, or installation, I seek to create pieces that are both evocative and immersive, encouraging viewers to connect with the emotions and experiences that are at the core of our humanity. Additionally, my work often features organic references, which serve as a reminder of the connection between humanity and the natural world. Recently, I had the opportunity to work on a large-scale installation called Hope Floats, which was created using hundreds of balloons. The installation allowed viewers to immerse themselves in a bubble-like environment, where they could be surrounded by the playful and joyful energy that balloons represent. For me, the balloons also served as a symbol of hope, reminding us that no matter what challenges we may face in life, there is always the possibility for joy and lightness to be found. Through my work, I strive to create experiences that encourage viewers to connect with their own emotions and experiences, and to find beauty and meaning in the world around them.