Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Suleymanova.
Hi Dana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am an artist originally from Tashkent, Uzbekistan currently based in Philadelphia. I moved to the U.S. at a young age and lived in Houston where I spent a lot of my formative years and graduated from HSPVA. I work in a wide range of mediums, including ceramics, sculpture, and stop motion animation and have gotten to show my work at Art League Houston, BOX 13 ArtSpace, Vox Populi, Icebox Project Space, among others. Additionally, I have also performed in festivals such as FringeArts in Philadelphia, Experimental Action in Houston, and Fusebox Festival in Austin.
I’ve been lucky to be a part of a few artist-run spaces and am currently a member with AUTOMAT Collective in Philly, a curatorial collective that champions emerging artists through exhibitions, programming, and publications. This opportunity gives me the chance to work on a stacked team supporting the developing trajectories of artists and providing a space where they can undertake experimental projects. Collaborating with the AUTOMAT team gives me the privilege of supporting the Philly arts ecosystem at a time when the lack in arts funding and the rise of AI continue to plague the world and our ability to think critically and creatively.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not always been smooth. Shortly after I moved from Houston to Philly, the COVID-19 pandemic paused my ability to meet new people in a new city. I went from having a rich arts community in Texas to figuring out what my involvement could be in a new arts community in Philadelphia. I’m grateful to have met so many amazing artists and have the chance to curate exhibitions and plan events in the city.
I’m currently dealing with a job loss and figuring out my next steps. Having an art practice that I can pour into continues to help me as I navigate the dismal job market.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Right now, I’m playing a lot with clay and making work for open calls that I find enticing, fun, or slightly strange. I most recently have made my first clock out of ceramic and paper mache for a fundraiser show, and I had the opportunity to make a piece for a salt & pepper shaker show with a stacked lineup of artists. I try to center humor, play, and absurdity in a lot of the things I make. If it doesn’t generate some level of joy for myself then I will get bored.
I had the chance to curate my first show with AUTOMAT this past March which was a great experience. I’m excited to grow as a curator and showcase more artists within the space.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Some people may not know that I used to be a synchronized swimmer for about 7 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danasuleymanova.com/
- Instagram: danasuleymanovaart
