Her art is unique and new. The distinctive expressive line can easily be recognized as one of her unique traits, unmatched in her artistic perception and character. Jutka meaningfully and expressively addresses aspects such as color emphasis, fluorescent references, and artistic sentiment, these elements being remarkable points of her creations.” Dr. Peter Markovik, art critic, curator of the Löffler Museum Kosice/Slovakia.
The artist, art teacher, and designer was born and raised in Bucharest during the communist era. Escaping from the communist and totalitarian state was difficult and dangerous – her attempts failed several times. Thus, the desire to escape remained a constant companion for Jutka. Alongside her brother, Jan Stoian, known on the jazz scene, Jutka courageously protested in 1989 against Nicolae Ceaușescu, his dictatorship, and for human freedom. In 1990, she finally managed to emigrate to Germany. She lives between Bucharest and Bedburg/Germany.
For Jutka, it is very clear that the form and content of her works matter as much as how, why, and for whom she creates them, with very profound ethical beliefs. As a premise, her visually impressive, extremely chromatic, and laborious works are inspired by observing cultural, social, and political developments, working in concepts and exhibition projects. „My experience as a teacher has encouraged me to think about how art could have an impact and involve the public more directly,” says Nicole Jutka. In over 12 years of activity as an art teacher, she has been very active, impacting over 200 educational art projects in her own art school or in various institutions with over 2000 participating students.
Nicole Jutka has the courage and talent to use a powerful range of colors, specializing in fluorescent colors that she integrates into black light, thus creating a dual existence of the artwork, both in light and in darkness. A dual existence, a parallel life, or the so-called „soul” of the painting that acquires a 3D, as a sculptural painting, in a political and aesthetic context, a language that ethically and interactively serves the public.
Since 2013, Nicole Jutka has been exploring the relationship between light and darkness in the concept „LIGHT PENETRATES DARKNESS,” a powerful theme about our existence, a philosophical and spiritual Pandora’s box. She uses fluorescent pigments to allow the viewer to enter another dimension, creating a universe of luminosity and vivid chromatics. Each composition transforms depending on the surrounding environment, like a sculpture with moving images.
Nicole Jutka, mother of two boys, stands out as an international visual artist, laureate of several awards, and with exhibitions in prestigious museums. Her works can be found in collections in various countries such as Germany, USA, France, Italy, Slovakia, and Romania. Since 2021, Nicole Jutka has also dedicated herself as the founder and curator of Nicole Jutka Gallery, a nonconformist location with four addresses: Bucharest and Olimp in Romania, Bedburg in Germany, and Cannes, Côte d’Azur in France (collaboration).” Dr. Anita Shah, curator, art critic
Our guest today, Nicole Jutka, is a renowned visual artist, researcher, and educator in the field of colors, art teacher, designer, curator, and gallery owner. Her works can be found in collections in several countries: Germany, Switzerland, USA, England, France, Italy, Slovakia, Romania, attracting the attention of the press and television. She first studied fashion design at the Ioan Slătineanu Academy in Bucharest, being a student from the first generation. She furthered her education in graphic design and multimedia at Incuriculla Mochengladbach/Germany, then art pedagogy under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Dana Fabini, also the mentor of the artist, at the Institute of Culture in Cologne/Germany, where she regained her artistic mastery in painting, drawing, sculpture, engraving, installation, and pedagogy.
She teaches courses on the origins and history of art, interdisciplinarity between arts, as well as the artistic elements of early culture with ethical and moral aspects.
Nicole Jutka – A Strong Voice in Contemporary Art.
In 2016, she received the second prize in the GRUPA „PREMIUL”HEIMAT” ART COMPETITION Cologne/Germany, for her own art school „Atelier Jutka” and for her student from the international class Abdulrahman Barghoti third place in the category „Young – up to 18 years” for community work.
Nicole Jutka is the founder of F7, a collective of seven artists from different countries and categories, with a practice focused on the mission of creating art that celebrates the lives and stories of those from the Romanian diaspora. It facilitates the creation of creative spaces to promote community building, a sense of belonging, and healing from the totalitarian communism the artist lived under. As president of the Part of World Association, through her artistic projects, she aims to help children, teenagers, orphans, and various groups of people with and without disabilities.
The art awards show her tireless work over the past few years:
– Global Art Contest, Shanghai 2020: First Place, Abstract Painting
– Dimitrie Cantemir Academy 2020: Painting and Sculpture Award
– Premio D Jury of Art San Crispino, Italy: „Wings and Pain”
– Arta Vita Contest, Santa Barbara 2017: „Future Day”
– Mihai Eminescu Academy, Craiova 2023: Painting and Sculpture Award
– Top 100 Romanians Everywhere, Iasi 2022: Art Category Award (Repatriot)
– Circle Quarterly Magazine 2021: Green Free Tree Award
Exhibitions:
– Löffler Museum, Slovakia
– National Museum of the Romanian Peasant
– Mihai Eminescu Museum
– National Museum Bran, UNESCO Cultural Center
– National History Museum, Romania
– Cotroceni National Museum
Critical Appreciations:
„Her art is unique and distinctive. Jutka addresses aspects such as color emphasis and fluorescent references, being noted for her creations.” Dr. Peter Markovik, art critic
C&B: Describe your activity!
Nicole Jutka: I was born and raised in Bucharest during the communist era. From a young age, I started drawing and painting. At just a year and a half old, I would spend hours playing with old books and scribbling on them. Obsessed with books, I studied them intensely, and my mother believed, seeing how preoccupied I was, that I was reading them. This passion became my inexhaustible source of inspiration, and later, at 9 years old, I used my pocket money for books, art catalogs, and pencils. Thus, my belief in writing while painting and painting while writing developed, reflecting my equal passion for both arts. This is how my beginnings in art were, quite spontaneous, a free expression of thoughts….
C&B: How does the story of your evolution sound?
Nicole Jutka: I belong to several minorities in Romania, and my parents also come from different minorities, the result of multiple mixed cultures. I live in Germany and am married to a Slovak. My children ask me: who are we actually? Where is our place? I tell them: Wherever you are now through what you are, a person, a person who respects others and our planet.
With a multi-ethnic background, I have lived in Germany for over 30 years. Navigating skillfully in the universe of contemporary art, I transform personal experiences and social dialogue into open works. I explore fundamental themes of humanity, including the transcendent message of love and peace. I try to redefine the concept of diversity through works like „New People” in the solo exhibition at the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant (2015), my first exhibition in Romania, Löffler Museum in Slovakia, etc., bringing a vibrant vision of the global community. My commitment extends beyond artistic creation into the educational sphere, where the „Part of World” project becomes a platform dedicated to the self-discovery of refugee teenagers. These projects become a powerful voice, conveying the message that love and peace know no borders, and that estrangement can be transformed into authentic connection through art and education. For over 10 years, I have coordinated international classes, educating over 2000 students, conducted in over 200 projects.
„When she moved to Germany, she experienced a change in cultural identity and a transition to a new environment. Her works of art convey the process of reconciling her values with new social challenges and different emotions. Her new life situation generates signals for observing and focused representation of this sensitive subject from her life, which has largely become a premise for defining her field of interest in the intense search for the surrounding environment and its cultural modification and differentiation. The artist strives to find options for identification and integration in various situations. She recognizes that there is no unifying cultural mode. Thus, she is sensitive and receptive to the perception and manifestation of different cultural contexts. First and foremost, she seeks common, essential human values and identifies the inner spiritual light of the human being. The change of environment and a fundamental conversion of the cultural context represent a substantial moment in the search for identity and integrative factors in an ambiguous existence.” Dr. Peter Marcovic (Curator of the exhibition Light Penetrates Darkness „New People”, Löffler Museum, Slovakia, 2014)
C&B: What were your visions in childhood/adolescence and what are they now?
Nicole Jutka: In childhood and adolescence, I often imagined a future full of adventure and discoveries. I dreamed of becoming a doctor, a princess, a fashion designer, a painter, an astronaut, traveling the world, discovering new cultures, and learning new things. It was a period marked by curiosity and the desire to explore the unknown.
Now, my visions haven’t changed much….😊. I have realized that true fulfillment comes from more subtle things, such as building beautiful and solid relationships, contributing to my community, and finding a balance between career and personal life. I still want to learn and evolve, in a way that brings value to those around me. Therefore, my current goals are more anchored in reality and oriented towards personal and professional growth, but also towards creating a positive impact in the lives of others.
Creativity makes me happy then and now in the same intensive and powerful way, with no differences between yesterday, today, and tomorrow….
C&B: What are the life and activity principles you use?
Nicole Jutka: Here are a few essential pillars that guide me in all aspects of my existence.
Love is an essential pillar. I believe in the power of love to transform lives and create strong and lasting bonds. I express my love through actions and words, building deep and meaningful relationships.
I strongly believe in integrity, being honest and transparent with myself and others. Integrity is the foundation on which I build all my relationships and decisions. Additionally, I treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of differences in opinion or context, as mutual respect is essential for harmonious coexistence.
Another fundamental principle is empathy, always trying to understand and feel what others are experiencing. Empathy helps me connect deeply with people and offer genuine support when needed. I am dedicated to continuous learning and development, both personally and professionally, as I believe there is always room for improvement and that every experience is an opportunity for growth.
Determination is another important aspect of my life. Every goal I set is pursued with perseverance and determination, regardless of the difficulties I encounter along the way. This determination helps me overcome obstacles and achieve my goals.
Faith in God is central to my life. It provides me with a deep sense of purpose and direction, guiding me through Christian values and principles. Prayer and spiritual reflection help me stay centered, balanced, and find inner peace.
Balance is key to a healthy and happy life.
In different cultures, people live in perfect balance, having respect and love for Divinity, nature, and their fellow human beings. The lack of one of these produces an imbalance.
C&B: Have the pandemic and economic crises influenced your activity?
Nicole Jutka: Yes, they have had a significant impact on my activity, as I believe they have on everyone, forcing me to adapt and find new ways to navigate these challenges. During the pandemic, I had to get used to working from home, streamline my operations, and adopt digital technologies to maintain productivity and collaboration with colleagues and partners.
An example of my adaptability in these challenging times is the appearance of Nicole Jutka Gallery, a cozy and nonconformist gallery that brings a fresh and innovative note to the artistic landscape. This gallery is a space where contemporary art meets a welcoming atmosphere, creating a unique experience for visitors. Practically, I opened a gallery in my apartment.
Additionally, I am pleased to announce that two educational books will soon be published, meant to inspire and educate readers, as well as several art catalogs that will present my works and offer a profound perspective on my lifelong creations.
These crises have taught me the importance of flexibility and resilience. I realized how vital it is to remain open to change and develop the ability to adapt quickly to new circumstances.
In the end, these challenges have strengthened my conviction that integrity, determination, and faith are essential to overcoming times of crisis. I have learned to appreciate the small victories even more and to remain grateful for the good things in my life, regardless of the difficulties encountered. The appearance of Nicole Jutka Gallery and the upcoming educational books and art catalogs represent important steps in my professional journey, demonstrating that valuable opportunities can arise from any crisis.
C&B: Can you tell us some funny situations from your activity?
Nicole Jutka: I have experienced many funny moments in my activity, but one of the most frequent and memorable ones involves the color palette. Every time I am in the flow, completely absorbed in the creative process, I tend to put the color palette on the chair, telling myself, „You definitely won’t forget you put it there.”
When I take a short break from the creative process, I feel the need to take some distance in time and space to observe the work with fresh eyes. However, what happens every time, without exception, is that I completely forget that the palette is on the chair and sit directly on it. The result is a hilarious mix of colors on my clothes and the chair, and I inevitably burst into laughter…
This has become a small amusing tradition in the studio. Next time, I decided I would make a „monotopy,” a transfer on paper 😅.
C&B: You have a potential client/partner or employer in front of you. What is the phrase that convinces them?
Nicole Jutka: With determination, love, fairness, integrity, and an innovative vision, I will add value to our common projects, ensuring that every challenge is transformed into an opportunity for success.
C&B: What advice do you have for beginners or those who are undecided?
Nicole Jutka: I would encourage them with a few pieces of advice:
First of all, don’t be afraid to try new things. Exploring and experimenting in various fields will help you discover what truly excites you. Set clear goals, even if you don’t know exactly where you want to go. These will guide and motivate you to progress.
Investment in continuous education is essential. Attend courses, read books, and follow materials that can help you develop your skills. Connect with people from various fields. The relationships and connections you build can open unexpected opportunities and offer you valuable perspectives.
Don’t be discouraged by failures, as they are part of the learning process. Learn from mistakes and use them as a launching pad for the future. Be persistent, as success does not come overnight. Continue to work with perseverance, even when you encounter obstacles.
An experienced mentor can offer guidance, support, and practical advice as you navigate your career or personal decisions. Although it is important to receive advice and learn from others, listen to your inner voice. Your intuition can be a valuable guide.
Don’t neglect the importance of balance between work and personal life. Take care of yourself and your relationships to stay healthy and motivated. Additionally, be open to change, as the world is constantly evolving, and so are the opportunities. Be flexible and open to new experiences and directions that life may offer you.
C&B: What is your opinion on society and its evolution?
Nicole Jutka: Here is my statement as an artist: My work is based on the message of light penetrating darkness, a profound concept that encompasses a philosophical and spiritual Pandora’s box about our existence: „Light penetrates darkness.”
I interpret light as love, joy, and peace, essential attributes necessary for human existence, bringing into discussion aspects such as its origin, our ways of discovering it, and its necessity in our existence. I study this idea, exploring the adventure of its search without knowing with certainty where it will lead me. I am attracted to forms that emanate life, which are not static. Capturing the breath of nature through subtle contrasts and the use of intense colors, captured by the modeled matter, represents an alchemy that fascinates me.
I use fluorescent pigments to introduce another dimension, 3D, penetrating the space of darkness. Thus, the paintings transform under black light, becoming a new creation, like a pictorial sculpture in motion, revealing the interior or soul of the work. This represents two totally different perspectives, two parallel existences that coexist in a dialogue between reality and transcendence.
Our society is in a continuous evolution, influenced by technological advances, cultural changes, and global challenges. I observe a few major trends that define this evolution and offer me both reasons for optimism and reflection.
Technology plays a central role in transforming society. Innovations in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy promise to improve the quality of life and solve some of the greatest global problems. However, these advances also bring challenges, such as privacy issues, cybersecurity, and growing economic disparities.
At the same time, society is becoming increasingly diverse and inclusive.
Global issues, such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic crises, highlight our interdependence and the need for international cooperation. These challenges require coordinated responses and global solidarity to be effectively managed.
In a world undergoing rapid change, education becomes more important than ever. It is essential for educational systems to adapt to prepare young people for the future, to provide them with technological skills, as well as critical thinking and adaptability abilities. Increasing attention is being paid to mental health, recognizing its importance for overall well-being. The pandemic has highlighted the necessity of offering support and resources to help people manage stress and anxiety.
For me, it is very clear that the form and content of my works matter as much as how, why, and for whom I create them, with very profound ethical beliefs.
As a premise, my visually impressive, extremely chromatic, and laborious works are inspired by observing cultural, social, and political developments, working in concepts and exhibition projects. My experience as a teacher has encouraged me to think about how art could have an impact and involve the public more directly.
From the general concept „Light penetrates darkness,” the following series are part:
„PRAY. LOVE. PEACE. TO HAVE OR TO BE,” „La vie en rose,” „PEACE DOVE,” „The Journey of the Ant,” „Love. No’ war,” „New people, new landscape,” „Hanging gardens,” „Idyllic landscape.”
I experiment with different media and techniques, discovering new ones and mixing them: painting, digital, artificial intelligence, Photoshop, pigment painting, graphic design, writing, sculpture, installation, performance. I enjoy interdisciplinarity.
In conclusion, our society is on a complex and dynamic path of evolution. Art evolves along with it. Although there are numerous challenges, there are also significant opportunities to create a more equitable, sustainable, and technologically advanced world. It is crucial to navigate these changes with an open mind, a cooperative attitude, and a firm commitment to justice and common well-being.
