Artist talk with
Tut Ravia
'Untitled', 2020
Oil on paper
7x9cm
Tell us about yourself.
I’m 20 yo, born and raised in Jerusalem.
Most of my inspiration and my friends are in Tel Aviv but I'm currently working and volunteering in Jerusalem, so it can get hard sometimes juggling between the two. I currently living on the line of Tel Aviv- Jerusalem, trying to balance my life which is not easy!
Where did your passion for art begin?
I always loved art, in all forms.
As a kid my favourite thing was going to my grandma's work in the art department at a disabled centre, I loved to work with the elders there.
When that stopped I use to take painting classes in using different techniques such as gouache, sketch, diy clothes and did just about anything I could put my hands on, I never stopped creating.
'Untitled', 2020
Oil on canvas
18x10cm
How would you describe your work to someone?
I would describe it as emotional, a little bit vulgar.
But mostly unapologetic.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a large scale oil painting on a glass frame I found in the trash.
Also working on my first group exhibition this summer.
When you start a new work or project, do you plan what you’re going to create or do you improvise?
I always plan beforehand, just so I can have a general idea of where and what I want my painting to be.
But, In the moment things can change and I go with what I feel would fit best.
'Untitled, 2020
Oil on paper
13x11cm
Can you highlight some of your influences and discuss how your influences have made an impact on you and your practice?
Some of my big influences definitely come from the Renaissance and old erotic films ,they’ve always fascinated me.
As a young girl I used to read novels like in the 'In Company of the Courtesan', that described the renaissance in Rome and made me excited ,wishing I could live in a different time, in a different place, experiencing everything the world had to offer. Not in my bed under the covers thinking that maybe I’ll never be able to experience the things I read about .
As an adult when I got the chance to explore myself and my sexuality. I Fell in love with the aesthetics of adult films from the 80's and the 90's, and how over the top and extravagant they used to be.
So Now I can say that my work consists of the things that inspired me. I'm using oil paints like they did in the renaissance, I also using the vulgarity you can find in porn. Combining the two and making them my own.
What are your plans for the remainder of this year?
I strive to get better at what I do and to always learn to use new techniques.
As an artist I think that’s a given.
But in addition to that I want to make people excited about my art like it gets me excited.
'Untitled', 2021
Oil on paper
9x13cm