Meet the Artist: Jil Mandeng

Jil Mandeng is a figurative artist born in Santiago, Chile. She obtained her BA from Central Saint Martins and her Master of Fine Art at the Slade School of Fine Art in 2022. Mandeng was recently selected for Bloomberg New Contemporaries (2023). The source of inspiration for Jil’s art is her own embodied culture clash. Born in Chile to a Cameroonian-Polish father and a German mother, she draws meaning from the amalgamation of these cultures, but also from a nomadic lifestyle in which her family moved every two years.

72. Jil Mandeng - Grasslands III

What cultural references do you draw on in your submitted postcards?

My art is inspired by my own embodied culture clash. Born in Chile to a Cameroonian-Polish father and a German mother, I draw meaning from the amalgamation of these cultures and from a nomadic lifestyle in which my family moved not only house but country every two years. In my work, I question whether we can truly adopt a multitude of identities within ourselves in today’s society.

Why do you gravitate towards portraiture?

Portraits offer an intimate connection between the subject and the viewer, allowing for a deeper exploration of personalities and stories. My portraits steer away from the conventional and attempt to represent the stark clashes of culture and identity that I have struggled to cope with throughout my life, in the hope that they turn into thought-provoking and unique pieces for the viewer.

How was your experience being part of New Contemporaries 2023?

It’s been enormously exciting and a career highlight to be associated with both 2023’s great talent and the legendary names that have been awarded New Contemporaries in the past. I am fortunate to receive one-on-one mentoring sessions that provide me with the guidance and support I need to advance my career as an artist.

Do you have any projects on the horizon that you would like to share?

I have several group shows that are coming up in the next few months. Once they’ve been officially announced, I’ll share all the information on my Instagram page.