Nirvana: Radioshead

Nirvana is a Kurdish artist and student. She makes paintings and collages and is very passionate about art history, which is how she began mixing old renaissance/baroque paintings with modern culture. She feels lucky that people are inspired and supportive of what she creates. We caught up with Nirvana to ask some questions about her creations.

Horror Sleaze Trash: First off, we’d like to thank you for taking time out of your day to talk to Horror Sleaze Trash. I happened across you on IG and I was an instant fan of your art!
Nirvana: Hello! Thank you for your interest in what I do.

HST: Have you always been interested in art?
N: I have always been interested in art. I have been a painter for about 6 years and started making collages about 4 years ago. Art is the most important part of my life.

HST: What got you started in/interested in art? Why did you choose to start creating collages?
N: I started doing what I do because art history is my favorite subject, and mixing it with modern culture and imagery is very fun for me. I keep on doing it because It’s enjoyable and unique, and it makes me happy that so many people support it and enjoy it.

HST: When did you first begin making collages of the renaissance/baroque paintings with modern art and photography?
N: I started July 2016. I had seen some similar stuff on tumblr, but I didn’t find them easily so I decided I would start making some of my own. I’m so glad I did.

HST: Well, you have almost 135,000 followers on Instagram, so it seems like a good move! You’ve had such an incredible response. What most inspires you?
N: Inspiration is so hard to define! Anything can be inspiring, really.

HST: That’s a very good point, especially if it’s something you are looking for in your life. How do you feel your art has changed and developed over the years?
N: I think it has largely stayed the same. I have always been interested in beauty and different concepts and mediums coming together. I think I have gotten a lot better at mixing the images.

HST: What other kinds of art or hobbies do you indulge in? What else do you like to do in your free time?
N: I am an artist! I paint most of the day, but I also love to read.

HST: What other artists do you look up to and admire?
N: I love Matisse, Monet, Derain, Bougeureau, and Degas. Some of the contemporary artists that I love are Matthew Gaulke and Lucas David.

HST: Is there a piece of your work that you are most proud of?
N: I’m proud of all of them, I like them all equally.

HST: That’s good. I mean, a lot goes into creating them. Do you have a favorite movie or book?
N: Oh, that’s so hard to choose! I love way too many! Some movies that I will probably always love is Mystic Pizza, Closer, and Pulp Fiction. One book that I adore is The Kite Runner.

HST: Are there any fictional characters that you personally relate to?
N: I relate the most to Phoebe Buffay from Friends.

HST: That’s awesome. My sisters are obsessed with that show. Thank you so much for taking some time to talk to us! It’s been a pleasure and we can’t wait to see more of your art in the future! Where can people find and connect with you online?