Jaime Jover

Could you tell us a bit more about your practice?
 My practice revolves around a mixture of materials and medium. I would still say that I’m still developing and finding my niche in the arts. But in a way, being unconfined and continuously experimenting on my craft is freeing for my psyche. To narrow it down, I do digital works, sculptures, video works, and some drawings from time to time. Exploring my identity and what really goes on inside my mind, while creating a narrative and storytelling visually is the core of my work.

As an art student working through the pandemic please tell us about some of the challenges you faced during this time.
A lot actually. I found myself spending a lot of time alone which is my preferred environment, but to be in solitude for that long, took a toll for me. Weird, but I was surprised too. Studio-wise, it was quite limited because of the pandemic. Most of the tools and workshops were quite suffocating for my work, a lot of the procedures were just too long and felt like a waste of time instead of it being used wisely. On the bright side, lots of good memories talking online with my family and other international friends, keeping each other company during bumpy roads and times when there is distance.

All artists were forced to adapt during the lockdown, do you think these circumstances effected your practice in any way and did you manage to find new ways of getting your work ‘out there’, such as online exhibitions?
In terms of my practice, I resorted to digital manipulation, even though it felt a bit like cheating since I know my potential. I took further steps on video performance, which I have never in my life done before. And to add, can also be seen in this exhibition. There was also a collective that I had on the side and I attempted to set up an online exhibition that could be done through Instagram filters, but wasn’t very successful. but it was sort of a bouquet of gifts that rose out of the pandemic. Continuing on. Me and my cohorts curated an online exhibition last year where we floored out and simulated the front gallery of our University. That was pretty fun I guess.

Exhibitions such as New Blood aim to support early career artists by exposing them to new audiences, but this can only go so far. Is there anything that galleries could, or should, be doing to help develop your career further?
Being one of the youngest, if not, the youngest in this group, I’m still learning, and to be surrounded with this much talent and experienced people was quite overwhelming. So I’m careful about what I want to say. I know building mutual connections is important so perhaps galleries introducing artists to other galleries? Another thing to point out is maybe doing behind the scenes work with an artist (that is if they are comfortable with it). Not much of a studio visit but alternatively it could be like a video or interview mix of what the artist’s studio is like.

Are there any new projects you’re working on that you’d like to tell us about?

There’s currently 5 ongoing projects that I have at the back. It’s all coming together conceptually but very timidly. I got other works that are just floating about so I have to cement them too. I guess It will be ready when it’s finished but I’m in no rush. Primarily focusing quality over quantity, like always. All of it will be a mixture of multidisciplinary work and maybe some of my poetry too. Letting time do it’s thing.