ABOUT

In her recent body of work, Joanna Paola explores themes of transformation and the journey through the unknown. Her process often begins by identifying a specific emotion and posing a model to embody that feeling. She prioritizes drawing the figure first, capturing the body’s gestures, facial expressions, and subtle nuances that will inform the work’s evolution. Using charcoal as her medium allows her to work quickly and intuitively, embracing imperfections and allowing the piece to develop organically. Joanna skillfully manipulates light and shadow, revealing what lies beneath the surface. As layers build, flowers, plants, insects, and animals emerge, intertwining with the figure to create a sense of depth, motion, and mystery. The result invites viewers on a journey of discovery that intertwines symbolism, mysticism, and transcendence.

Joanna Paola was born in Lima, Peru, and immigrated to the United States at the age of six. Coming from a long line of creatives, she was naturally drawn to the arts and built a career as a graphic designer. She currently resides in Los Angeles.