Interview
Janine Räker
Janine (VEYART) is an Austrian-based artist whose work is raw, emotional, and deeply intuitive. Originally coming from a business background, she spent years chasing success defined by numbers - until burnout forced her into stillness. In that silence, she discovered something she had been missing all along: art as a way to breathe, to exist, to feel. Her paintings are a reflection of pure emotion, created without rigid planning, driven by intuition and movement. Nudity, fluid forms, and vibrant contrasts play a major role in her work - not as provocation, but as liberation. Through expressive brushstrokes, layered textures, and even washing away parts of her paintings, she explores themes of self-discovery, femininity, and raw authenticity. For a long time, her art was for herself - a way to heal, to express, to evolve. But after finding her artistic identity in nude expressionism, she is now stepping into the world, ready to share her vision. Her work is not for everyone, but for those who truly feel.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My whole life, money was the driving force. Success meant good numbers, financial stability, and achieving more. I was doing what worked, not necessarily what made me happy. I kept going, kept pushing - until I couldn’t anymore. Then came burnout. Suddenly, everything was quiet. No distractions, no chasing the next big thing. Just me. And in that silence, I found something I had never allowed myself to embrace before - art. I don’t paint to make money. I paint because my soul needs to breathe. Because it’s the only way I feel truly alive. Because this is my language. My art is, first and foremost, for me. It brings me joy, it heals me, it allows me to be who I truly am. And if my paintings resonate with others, if they see something in them that makes them feel - then that’s a gift. I believe you can only bring happiness to others if you allow yourself to be happy first. And that’s what I do with my art. It is my deepest breath. My most honest expression. My true self.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My art is not a direct political or social statement - but it is a mirror. It reflects emotions, desires, contradictions. It asks questions without giving answers. I work a lot with bodies, with nudity, with intense colors and contrasts. Not to provoke, but to liberate. To remind us that beauty doesn’t have to be perfect - it has to be real, raw, and felt. My art is not meant to teach; it is meant to touch. It invites you to look, to feel, to recognize yourself in it - or to confront it. Some people feel seen. Others feel exposed. Every reaction is a reflection. And that’s what makes it so powerful.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I don’t plan my work in advance - it happens in the moment. My art is pure intuition. I often start with a feeling, a color, or a movement, but I never know exactly where it will take me. Each brushstroke determines the next. It’s a process of letting go, of allowing things to flow. I trust that the painting will tell me when it’s finished. Sometimes, what emerges is completely different from what I initially had in mind - and that’s exactly what I love about it. For me, art is not a controlled act, but a dialogue between me, the colors, and the canvas.”
“I believe in the power of art to transform spaces. My paintings are not just decorative pieces; they are meant to evoke feelings, create connections, and make a statement in any setting.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I don’t follow specific art trends. Art that chases trends loses its authenticity. I am guided more by emotions, moods, and experiences than by what is currently ‘in.’ My focus is on expression, not adaptation. I love the process of painting. That’s why many of my works are so intricate - not because they have to be, but because I enjoy working on a piece. I lose myself in it, change it, paint over it, add layers. Sometimes, I don’t even want it to be finished. I love when there’s a lot happening, when there’s something to discover, when a painting grows over time. I see art becoming more digital, and while I find the new possibilities exciting, for me, the physical, the tangible, and the experience of texture remain essential. A real artwork has an energy that no digital version can replace.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I primarily work with acrylic paint on canvas, but my process is far from traditional. I love experimenting, layering, and pushing the limits of what paint can do. I use palette knives, sponges, my hands, and even unconventional tools to create movement and depth. Layers play a huge role in my work - I build them up, scrape them off, paint over them again. It’s an organic process where each layer holds a story. One unique part of my process is that I often wash my paintings - literally. I shower them down, let the water strip away parts of the paint, and watch how unexpected textures and colors emerge. It’s fascinating to see what remains, what changes, and what new ideas come to life through this transformation. I love when my paintings have rich textures, hidden details, and an almost tactile energy - they invite you to not just see them but to feel them. Each piece is a journey, shaped as much by intuition as by the physical process itself.”
What does your art mean to you?
“My art is survival. Without the dedication, without losing myself in the process, I would wither. Painting is not just something I do - it’s something I need. It’s how I breathe, how I process, how I exist. Through art, I give form to what I can’t put into words. It allows me to release, to explore, to feel deeply. Every brushstroke, every layer, every washed-away color is a part of me, a reflection of my emotions, my energy, my truth. Without art, I would be trapped. With it, I am free.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“My favorite artwork is ‘Venus in the Garden of Eden.’ This painting represents the incredible beauty of femininity, fertility, and love. It is a tribute to the female body - not as an object, but as the origin of life itself. With this piece, I want to make a statement against the sexualization of the female form. A woman's body is not just something to be consumed or judged - it is powerful, sacred, and the very foundation of existence. Without it, life would not exist. And for that, it deserves appreciation, not objectification. By placing the female figure in a sea of flowers, I want to emphasize the beauty of naturalness, rawness, and purity. Just like nature itself, the female form is strong, resilient, and endlessly giving. It is not something to be owned or controlled - it is something to be honored. This painting is not about seduction - it is about creation, energy, and the divine essence of womanhood.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Yes, at City Galerie Vienna, where I had my largest exhibition featuring 20 works. I haven't focused on exhibitions so far because I was mainly painting for myself. I needed to first understand what truly defines me in art. Since discovering myself in nude paintings, I feel like I have come alive in a new way - and now, I am starting to step into visibility.”
