We caught up with visual artist and filter queen Elīna Virdziniece.
From rhinoplasty filters to guided meditation experiences, Elīna creates dynamic visual experiences through digital mediums, exploring screens and space.
We chatted to her about her project FLOW, all things VR and escaping the everyday through immersive visual experiences.
Q – Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your work?
I am originally from Latvia and currently based in London. I mainly work with digital medium across screen and space.
I’ve always been interested in new and emerging technologies used in the arts.
My most recent work is about restoring human and water relations, and investigating our attraction and ethical responsibility towards it.
Q – How important do you feel queerness in arts & culture is?
I think it is very important, art has always been about expressing yourself and being open. I think when creating art,
it’s essential to be vulnerable, honest and open to the viewer.
Q – What do you want people to take away from your piece?
In general, from my work, I want people to take away new subjects for more thoughts, more ideas, more questions but
FLOW is a piece we created to help people with anxiety, to help them escape from day-to-day stress with meditation techniques.
Q – The theme of our second issue is ‘Dream’. Can you tell us how you interpreted that theme?
FLOW is a dream like VR experience I created together with Valeria Radchenko and Andi Wang. It’s an
immersive experience set in an abstract world,
featuring guided meditation. Just like a dream, FLOW provides an escape from reality.
Q – If you had one piece of advice for your younger self (looking back now) what would it be and why?
I think it would be to not be scared and have the courage to create and talk about issues which are important to you and be open about it.
Don’t be scared to explore subjects that you are interested in
and just be yourself.
Elīna Virdziniece
She / Her | London | Visual Artist
Elīna was interviewed by Lucy Everett
