A Foundation in Spatial Precision
Janaina Mello Landini’s unique trajectory from architecture to fine arts forms the cornerstone of her artistic practice. Graduating in architecture from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in 1999, Landini initially developed a keen appreciation for the logic and spatial sensibilities that underpin architectural design. Her early training immersed her in the intricacies of spatial relationships and structural design, instilling a deep understanding of form, function, and space that would later influence her artistic explorations. Even as she shifted from architecture to fine arts, her architectural background continued to shape her creative outlook, inspiring her to bridge structural precision with fluidity in her artwork.
Returning to UFMG to study fine arts, Landini embraced new forms of expression, allowing her fascination with mathematics, physics, and natural patterns to intertwine with her art. In her artistic practice, these disciplines converge to depict interconnected systems, reflecting the structure she once studied in architecture but expanding into broader, more abstract interpretations. This interdisciplinary foundation has given her work a distinctive approach, blending the rigor of architectural thought with the organic beauty found in nature and science.
Mathematics and physics play a prominent role in Landini’s art, particularly in her ability to depict universal patterns that echo across natural and artificial structures. Drawing inspiration from mathematical sequences, such as the Fibonacci series, she finds these natural motifs reveal hidden orders that resonate within society, nature, and the human body. Her work often channels these forms to emphasize balance and tension, capturing the harmony she perceives in systems both living and inert, from tree branches to nerve cells. This fusion of fields enriches Landini’s art, presenting a powerful visual language that examines both the fragility and resilience within interconnected networks.
Janaina Mello Landini: The Art of the “Ciclotrama” Series
The “Ciclotrama” series, one of Janaina Mello Landini’s most defining bodies of work, is a profound representation of cycles and interconnectedness. Initiated in 2010, the series takes its name from the Portuguese words “ciclo” (cycle) and “trama” (weave or plot), encapsulating the notion of woven, cyclical structures. Through “Ciclotrama,” Landini explores networks that mirror the organic and complex systems seen in both nature and human interactions, weaving together individual strands of rope into intricate forms that symbolize the vast, interconnected web of existence. Her art communicates how each thread represents a journey, yet remains inseparably tied to a broader system.
Each “Ciclotrama” piece begins with a single rope that Landini unravels, twisting and braiding it to reveal a network of branches resembling roots or nerves, emphasizing connection and interdependence. By manipulating the rope’s tension and directional flow, she constructs maps of connectivity that reflect the dynamics of natural systems. Her process echoes organic growth patterns, creating a visual metaphor for individual journeys converging within a greater whole. This intricate unbraiding technique conveys the resilience and fragility inherent in both the physical material and the ideas it represents.
The tangible presence of the rope adds another layer to Landini’s work, imbuing it with symbolism and texture. She chose rope for its inherent structure, which is composed of intertwined fibers, each with its strength yet reliant on others to form a cohesive whole. This choice allows her to amplify her themes of interdependence, illustrating how separate entities unify to create something more complex and beautiful. Rope’s tactile quality and adaptability also empower her to explore different scales, from smaller, intimate pieces to monumental installations that transform entire spaces. In both forms, “Ciclotrama” communicates the beauty and complexity of interconnected systems, bridging individual experience with collective identity.
Art on an Expansive Scale
Landini’s works range from intimate pieces to immersive, large-scale installations, showcasing her ability to tailor her concepts of connection to different physical dimensions. Small-scale pieces invite viewers to engage with the intricacies of each thread, encouraging close inspection of the precise and delicate forms she creates. These pieces draw viewers into a contemplative state, allowing them to consider the nuanced connections depicted in the detailed structure of her ropework. In this intimate scale, Landini’s art becomes a personal reflection on connectivity, presenting a moment for introspection within a complex web.
Her larger, site-specific installations, however, add another layer to her exploration of space and connection, surrounding viewers in the very networks her smaller works depict on a more detailed level. One of her most notable installations, housed at the Carmignac Foundation on Porquerolles Island, transforms the gallery into a realm of interwoven connections. These immersive installations push viewers to experience the work physically, feeling the interplay of tension and release that runs throughout her pieces. The scale of these installations allows her to shape entire environments, creating spaces that evoke a powerful sense of awe and encourage viewers to reflect on their place within a larger interconnected world.
The experience of walking through a large-scale “Ciclotrama” installation is an exercise in perception, as the viewer is both surrounded by and part of the artwork. These installations prompt reflections on individual presence within collective structures, mirroring how individual lives intersect within societal networks. The immersive nature of her work transforms the observer’s role, encouraging a shift from passive viewing to active participation. By drawing viewers into the networks she creates, Landini fosters a deeper understanding of interconnectedness, inviting them to engage with her art on a multi-sensory level that resonates long after they leave the space.
Janaina Mello Landini: An Evolving Creative Vision
As Janaina Mello Landini’s career has progressed, her creative process has evolved, reflecting the shifting circumstances and introspective insights she has encountered along the way. The recent global pandemic prompted a slower, more introspective approach, giving Landini time to delve into meditative pieces that capture an inner quietude. During this period, she created works such as “Ciclotrama 177 (Fibonacci),” which reflects the contemplative mindset of that time. Utilizing cotton threads and acrylic pen on canvas, this piece explores deeper, quieter reflections on connection, integrating her themes into a more introspective and intimate format.
In her recent projects, Landini has turned her attention to themes of entropy, delving into the natural processes of decay and transformation. The work “Ciclotrama Medusa” is a striking example, where ropes progressively unravel into fibers, capturing the transition from order to dissolution. Through this piece, Landini invites viewers to ponder the fragility of structure and the inevitability of change, showcasing the tension between order and chaos within interconnected systems. This theme of entropy builds upon her established ideas, introducing the concept of cyclical rebirth, where structure inevitably returns to a more basic form.
Looking forward, Landini continues to explore cycles of formation and decay, considering how these processes manifest across both natural and societal landscapes. Her evolving artistic vision reinforces her exploration of interdependence and transformation, examining the structures that connect life’s beginnings and endings. By weaving together her interests in architecture, physics, and natural forms, Landini’s work offers a profound look at the beauty of interconnectedness within the perpetual motion of life’s cycles. Through her art, she invites audiences to reflect on their own place within these ever-evolving networks, fostering a sense of awe and unity that transcends individual experience.
