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An Insightful Journey with Anisa Filonia

Introducing "Unravelling Artistry: Weaving Stories of Identity," a captivating series that delves into the rich tapestry of human experience.

AN
INSIGHTFUL JOURNEY
WITH ANISA FILONIA

Introducing "Unravelling Artistry: Weaving Stories of Identity," a captivating series that delves into the rich tapestry of human experience. Just as grass is intricately woven together to create our beautiful JON WESLÈ bags, our lives are composed of myriad moments, each contributing to the unique patterns of our identities. In this series, we unravel the stories of individuals whose journeys are shaped by a diverse array of experiences, from triumphs and tribulations to moments of profound insight and self-discovery. Through intimate interviews, we explore the threads of their lives, tracing the intricate patterns that have shaped who they are today. Join us as we embark on a journey of exploration and introspection, where every story is a thread in the larger tapestry of human existence.

Born into a life of movement and transition, Anisa Filonia’s childhood traversed continents, each new environment leaving an indelible mark on her artistic sensibilities. Originally from Zambia, she moved to Australia to rejoin her mother’s family who had escaped the Iranian Revolution and for whom a return home was no longer an option. Her family moved to Perth, then later Orange, Sydney, and Townsville. Now, the Phnom Penh-based artist embraces the constant flux, drawing inspiration from the ever-changing landscapes around her through exploration on canvas.

Anisa's artistic odyssey began with humble beginnings, as she recalls her earliest encounters with pencils and paintbrushes during her formative years. “I was always creating. I used to sit and watch movies, always drawing and never with any downtime. It was my way of expressing myself and dealing with things, processing my emotions," she muses, reflecting on the profound release that art provides.

Throughout her journey, Anisa found guidance and inspiration from mentors and influential figures who embodied authenticity and creative resilience. Her own mother is a great source of inspiration: “She was an extremely driven person, but didn’t speak any English,” Anisa says. “She forged her way ahead and became a public speaker.” Artists Anisa admires include Jean-Michel Basquiat, “For the obvious reasons, but also the obstacles—not just the artwork, but the reasoning behind it," she shares. “Egon Schiele also stands out for his strong personality and authenticity. Despite the scandals, initially both could express themselves freely without a fear of judgement.” From her mother to admired artists like Basquiat and Schiele, Anisa gleaned invaluable insights into the essence of drive and artistic expression.

An unexpected source of inspiration emerged from the passing of her father-in-law, a moment that profoundly impacted her understanding of identity and loss.
"That was huge," she shares. “I don’t have a relationship with my biological father. I found solace and inspiration in processing the tangible loss of someone I knew, and the intangible loss of the biological father I didn’t have.” This experience spurred a series of drawings that evolved into paintings, serving as a form of expression that continues to resonate with her today.

Anisa's artwork serves as a testament to her inner dialogue and personal experiences, with each piece reflecting a unique facet of her identity and journey. Whether grappling with themes of loss and grief or celebrating the beauty of human connection, her artistry invites viewers to engage in a profound conversation with themselves and the world around them. “I am someone who is always hungry for more,” Anisa says. She carries around a notebook and has over 60,000 photos on iPhone, much to the dismay of her family and their shared iCloud account. “I’m always taking photos of the colour combinations in Phnom Penh. Being out and about, there’s so much stimulus in terms of proportion.”

Music serves as a companion to Anisa's creative process, with carefully curated playlists and podcasts providing the soundtrack to her artistic endeavours. From museum tours to philosophical discussions, each contributes to the rhythmic flow of her work, guiding her towards moments of inspiration and revelation. “Sometimes I listen to the same track over and over again. It sets the mood and encapsulates whatever I am  working on. I stay in the flow of the feeling.” One of Anisa’s earliest memories was buying a Mase remix cassette with her own money. “I bought it on the side of a road,” she says. “I was catching a bus to Uganda from Kenya and had my Walkman. A guy was selling obviously fake tapes. So, I bought one and listened to it all the way to Uganda.”

In navigating moments of self-doubt and creative block, Anisa's advice is simple yet profound: keep creating."Artists are in their heads," she observes, “They do not produce art physically out of fear. It’s a constant struggle for every artist. Bring what is in you into the physical form.” Anisa looks to herself to get her out of any creative funk. She says, “There are certain pieces still in my possession that let me know I have the skill. I bring them into the studio when I’m stuck, and say to myself, “Obviously, you’ve done it before” when I feel I’m in the nascent stages.”

 

Looking towards the future, Anisa's aspirations remain deeply personal, driven by a desire for self-fulfilment and artistic exploration. She urges fellow creatives to embrace the practice of artistry as a journey of self-discovery and growth. “It is a practice: the more you do it the better you get. Realise what you don’t like then expand and change. If you don’t do it, you don’t know,” emphasising the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision amidst the ever-changing landscape of the art world. Through her work, Anisa invites us to embrace the beauty of imperfection and the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.