Jani works site-specifically using visual, sonic, and somatic methods to address subjects such as intimacy, sexuality, performativity, body, class, and privacy. Usually, the outcomes of Janis working are video installations, performances, and sound installations.

With moving image, sound, and performance, Jani process social structures and question normative rules. Jani dismantles norms and toxic phallicity by actions of accepting fragility: through unconsciousness, embarrassment, emotionality, smallness, failure, and porousness. Jani approach these qualities through bodily movement, sound, and intentionally poor moving image. Jani sees a connection between aesthetics of the weak and redefining of norms. Jani aim to break down perpetual harmful norms and suggest new narratives to portray various social phenomenon.

Short bio

Jani Luoma, (b. 1997, Finland) is a visual artist, living and working in Helsinki, Finland. He is finishing his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts Helsinki, Time and Space as his study department. Luoma’s artistic practice explores art as a social and materialistic habit of exposing utopias. The outcomes of his practice are videos, performances and installations. In the works, he dismantles normative structures and highlights empathy and awkwardness.

Thematically Luoma is interested in intimacy, conventions of documentariness, storytelling and socially formed norms of sexuality and gender. Normative structures in relation to sexuality and gender, are constructed of repetitive, performative actions in public. These structures are actively maintained by a constant naturalisation of specific “ideal” characteristics of body, which sometimes creates non-beneficial and dualistic hierarchies. He approaches the themes with a touch of caretaking, embarrassment and comedy. With an emphasis on lens-based media and performance, Luoma has organised performances and shows in various locations in Helsinki such as Ateneum Art Museum, Asbestos Art Space, Kuva/Tila Gallery and Vapaan Taiteen Tila. He has produced performances and screenings also in public space and at collective events.