Nana Mandl (b. 1991), an Austrian mixed-media artist based in Vienna, creates thought-provoking and multilayered works that respond to the rapid pace of modern life. Her art explores the intersection of digital and material worlds, translating intangible ideas into tangible, intricate pieces. Mandl’s works often address the overwhelming flood of images and overstimulation characteristic of contemporary culture, combining playful elements with wider societal commentary. Her artistic journey begins with objects that resonate with her aesthetically or emotionally, often evoking childhood memories, such as old sticker collections. These nostalgic elements are then woven into complex narratives connecting personal issues with broader societal themes. By tackling issues like overload, sexualisation, and identity, Mandl transforms abstract and virtual concepts into tangible forms that resonate with viewers. Her pieces often incorporate materials with personal histories, such as an old dress or a piece of cloth from her travels, providing an additional layer of meaning.
A fascination with double meanings and contradictions marks Nana’s approach to art. She often juxtaposes the complexity of her techniques with the simplicity of the snapshots she recreates. Her background in painting, tapestry, and animation, which she honed at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, informs the diversity of her work. Also, words frequently appear in her art as layered elements, adding depth and connecting themes.
One of Mandl’s standout projects, never enough, opened on October 24, 2024, at Galerie Kandlhofer in Vienna. This installation explores motherhood through a modern lens, featuring a series of textile-based works derived from selfies taken by mothers. The pieces highlight the duality of motherhood – they empower women by showcasing their self-representation in opposition to the invisibility often associated with the maternal role, yet, they also critique the idealised and unrealistic portrayals of motherhood perpetuated in modern culture.
Text plays a crucial role in this series, too, adding depth to the “perfect” still images and revealing the struggles behind them. Among the works, Mandl’s poem “never enough” encapsulated the central theme: “Mirror mirror on the wall, it’s your call / Your reflection facing perfection / Reliable distraction from the screaming toddler…”. The poem poignantly conveys the relentless demands of childcare and the emotional toll of striving for perfection. It reflects self-empowerment, showing mothers reclaiming their identities amidst the chaos.
Nana’s pieces, colourful and seemingly cheerful at first glance, reveal hidden meanings upon closer inspection, inviting viewers to question their initial interpretations. This is also the case with the works displayed as part of her most recent project, related issues, which opened on January 30 at the STRABAG Kunstforum in Vienna. This installation showcases her process of collecting and curating personal and nostalgic materials, such as pieces of paper, cell phone photos, and Instagram screenshots. A notable aspect of related issues is the inclusion of double-sided works. These pieces, reminiscent of quilts, feature both figurative and abstract elements, reflecting the duality of self-representation. In two mirror selfies incorporated into the series, Mandl revisits themes from never enough, emphasising the layered complexity of identity. The layered nature of her work is evident in the juxtaposition of forms and textures, where “everything revolves around haptics and materiality”, breaking the two-dimensional barrier, floating off the canvas and transforming the room into an immersive experience.
Mandl’s innovative approach has earned her numerous accolades, including the STRABAG Art Award, Main Prize (2024) and the Bildrecht Solo Award (2018). Other notable achievements include the KA’21 Stipendium (2021) and the acquisition of her work by the Federal Ministry for Arts and Culture Austria in 2023. Her contributions to the art world extend beyond Austria, thanks to a foreign artist residency awarded by the Federal Ministry for Arts and Culture.
In addition to her solo work, Mandl is a founding member of CLUB FORTUNA, an artist collective formed during her university years. The group, consisting of four versatile artists, focuses on creating engaging happenings and installations that analyse societal trends and social mechanics. Their work often addresses themes such as the commodification of the body and future societal prospects, incorporating humour and interactivity to provoke thought. The collective’s focus on societal critique aligns closely with Mandl’s solo exploration of contemporary issues like identity and overstimulation.
Through her playful yet poignant exploration of contemporary culture, Nana Mandl continues to captivate audiences. Her ability to transform fleeting digital moments into rich, tangible narratives offers a unique perspective on today’s fast-paced world. As she pushes the boundaries of materiality and meaning, Mandl’s work remains a testament to the enduring power of art to make the intangible visible and deeply felt.
