Rosely Htoo

How did you get into making art?

In my senior year of high school, I discovered my passion for photography through an analog photography class. This ignited my love for the art form and spurred me to explore its various facets—from documenting moments to journaling my experiences and creating art. Since then, photography has been a pivotal part of my life, guiding me through different phases and helping me find my voice as an artist.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m expanding my paracite from photography to working with installion. I’m working on the same project i’ve been workig on for my senior year undergrad. The project is about tapping into the universal and timeless themes of pain and joy, suffering and resilience, immortality and death. I work on an operatic scale using landscape as the site to reflect on existential predicaments. I am invested in notions of the sublime and my work is calibrated to elicit strong emotions and feelings.

What inspired you to get started on this body of work?

One of my favorite books, “The Bible,” has profoundly influenced my artistic journey, especially in my exploration of themes like the human condition, brokenness, sin, and hope. The story of Adam and Eve and the concept of a fallen humanity serve as a foundational inspiration for many of my works. These ideas compel me to delve deeper into the complexities of human nature and express them through my art and photography, creating images that resonate with the nuances of our shared experiences.

Do you work on distinct projects or do you take a broader approach to your practice?

At this point in my artistic journey, I’m taking a more expansive approach to my practice. I’ve opened myself up to the possibilities of mixing media to push the boundaries of my creativity and experiment with different ideas and concepts. I find that by integrating various mediums, I can truly express the depth of my imagination and explore new avenues of artistic exploration. It’s a process that allows me to continuously evolve as an artist, challenging myself to think outside the box and find innovative ways to convey my vision.

What’s a typical day like in your studio?

Usually, I’m out and about, capturing the world through my lens, finding inspiration in every corner. But when I’m tucked away in my studio, I’m immersed in the world of editing—perfecting photos and videos, experimenting with sound and effects, and constantly learning.

Who are your favorite artists?

When I hit creative lows, I always find myself seeking inspiration from a select few artists who resonate deeply with me. Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Johannes Vermeer, and Anselm Kiefer are the pioneers I turn to. Their remarkable artworks ignite a fire within me to explore new dimensions in my own artistic journey. From their ingenious use of color, texture, and lighting to their masterful handling of scale, these artists’ creations inspire me to push boundaries and experiment fearlessly.

Where do you go to discover new artists?

Being in school I had the provailage of dicoverign some of really good artsit in classes. Best Museuam isDuring my undergrad, I was fortunate enough to encounter a diverse talented artists across various art forms in my classes. The museum has also been a treasure trove for discovering new artists and exploring different styles. However, its social media that has been the primary platform for me to discover and connect with artists whose works captivate my imagination. The online community of creators has been a rich source of inspiration, offering fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that continue to shape my artistic journey