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Jaanika Peerna

Visual and Performance Artist in service of the Earth, beauty and glaciers. Monograph out (Terra Nova/ MIT Press, 2022.) Recent performance HIRSHHORN National Museum of Modern Art. #GlacierElegy

Professional Background

Jaanika Peerna is a remarkable visual and performance artist based in New York, originally hailing from Estonia. Her extensive and multifaceted career spans numerous artistic disciplines including drawing, installation, and performance art. Jaanika's artwork is deeply inspired by the natural world, focusing on themes such as light, air, water, and the intricate transitions between these elements. She masterfully engages her audience, inviting them to participate in reflections on significant contemporary issues, particularly the current climate crisis. The core of her artistic practice delves into the fundamental human experience, emphasizing the fragility and interconnectedness of life, as well as the awe that emerges from natural phenomena.

While she actively creates and performs in New York, her artistic influence transcends borders, having exhibited and performed across various prominent cities such as Berlin, Paris, Tallinn, Barcelona, Venice, Moscow, Dubai, Sydney, Canberra, Montreal, and Cologne. Jaanika Peerna's work is recognized and celebrated in numerous private collections across the United States and Europe and has even become part of prestigious institutions like the Fonds National d’Art Contemporain in Paris. Notably, her poignant performance piece, Glacier Elegy, was recently acquired by the Glyn Vivian Museum in the United Kingdom.

Jaanika's work is represented by esteemed galleries, such as JHB Gallery and ARC Fine Art in the USA, as well as UNFRAME in Europe, and globally through IdeelART. Her accolades include winning the esteemed FID Grand Prize in 2016 for her exceptional contributions to the field of drawing, showcasing her commitment to artistic excellence. Additionally, Jaanika dedicates a portion of her time as a teaching artist at the notable Dia Art Foundation, where she inspires the next generation of artists through her mentorship.

Currently, Jaanika serves as a vital presence in the realm of cultural affairs with the Estonian Consulate General in New York, where she continues to contribute to the arts and cultural dialogue between Estonia and the United States.

Education and Achievements

Jaanika Peerna's robust educational background is a testament to her dedication to the arts. She earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Fine Art from the State University of New York at New Paltz, where she honed her artistic skills and developed her unique voice. Her academic journey also includes an MFA in Art Education from Tallinn University, further enriching her understanding of art's role in education and community engagement.

Throughout her career, Jaanika has been actively involved in various organizations contributing significantly to the arts community. Before her current role, she gained valuable experience as the Cultural Affairs Coordinator at the Estonian Consulate General in New York. Her earlier engagements included being a museum guide and teaching artist at the Dia Art Foundation, where she worked closely with visitors and encouraged an appreciation for contemporary art.

In addition to her artistic practices, Jaanika has taken on roles in education by serving as adjunct faculty at her alma mater, the State University of New York at New Paltz, where she not only taught but also inspired students to explore their creative potential.

Achievements

  • Exhibited Work: Jaanika has showcased her art in international exhibitions in major cities including New York, Berlin, Paris, and many others. Her participation in these diverse venues speaks to her ability to connect with various audiences and share her artistic vision.
  • Performance Acquisitions: The Glyn Vivian Museum in the UK recently acquired her seminal performance, Glacier Elegy, further solidifying her reputation as a leading artist in climate-focused artistic narrative.
  • Awards and Recognition: Jaanika was awarded the prestigious FID Grand Prize in 2016, highlighting her contributions to the field of drawing and reinforcing her status as an influential artist.
  • Gallery Representation: Her work is represented by multiple esteemed galleries including JHB Gallery, ARC Fine Art, UNFRAME, and IdeelART, showing the reach and impact her art has across various markets.
  • Teaching Influence: As a longstanding teaching artist at the Dia Art Foundation, Jaanika has imparted her knowledge and passion for art to countless students, helping to create a ripple effect in the art community.

In conclusion, Jaanika Peerna is a vibrant force in the contemporary art scene, blending her rich Estonian heritage with her experiences in New York to create thought-provoking art that resonates with audiences worldwide. Her commitment to engaging with the pressing issues of our time through her art, along with her extensive background in education and cultural organization, makes her a significant contributor to the arts both locally and internationally.

Related Questions

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Jaanika Peerna
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Location

New York, New York, United States