Ole Ukena

About

Ole Ukena brings a drawing into the world by leaving room for it to surprise him. His wider practice moves through textile paintings, sculpture, installation, photography and film. Thread can become a painted line; an ambiguous shape can suggest a face, then slip back into something else. The viewer has a part to play in what the work becomes.

Following the line

He studied fine art and experimental media in Berlin and spent part of his twenties making documentary films. A later move into textiles began with a sewing machine bought at a market in Bali and a local teacher showing him how to use it. Embroidery, cutting and layering opened up a more intuitive way of working. His interest in making spaces for other artists grew alongside the objects themselves.

From listening to drawing

With Deer Jade, Ole co-founded I AM YOU as a place for music and visual art to develop together. His own musical background runs from hip-hop DJing and freestyle through Berlin’s rave scene and his gallery, Spielraum. For the label’s release artworks, he offers the musician visual starting points, listens to their ideas and puts the track on while he draws. The image grows out of that exchange.

That approach also shapes his workshops. Before an I AM YOU night at Nômade in Ibiza, around thirty guests sat opposite one another at a long table. One person made a mark; the person facing them responded. Then everyone moved along to a new partner. A drawing passed between strangers before the gathering continued over dinner and on the dance floor.

Across the record sleeves, artist portraits and shared drawing sessions, Ole’s contribution gives the music another form to inhabit. The work can be looked at, worn, added to or lived with. Participation begins with something as simple as paying attention to another person’s mark.

“Making space for other creatives is just an extension of the artistic practice.”