Jana Romanova – Water Portraits

Water Portraits, by young artist Jana Romanova, playfully and investigatively explores our consumption of water. Through 101 portraits of ice sculptures, Jana's work raises critical questions about how we can care for future generations by reducing our water consumption.

Water Portraits tells a story of various attempts to use water thoughtfully. Through the photographic documentation of 101 ice sculptures, Jana invites you to think about how we care for those around us and future generations.

Jana Romanova studied journalism but switched to the visual arts. Social engagement, the search for socially relevant themes, and the connection with the public run like a thread also through her practice as an artist.

Metaphorical portrait

Water Portraits unfolded over three years. A diverse group of participants were invited to reuse one liter of fresh water in succession. After each use, the water was frozen and recorded. This photograph, along with the recipe the participant wrote for reusing the water, formed a metaphorical portrait of the participant. This cycle was repeated until the water was completely consumed after which a new chain was started. In the longest chain of the project, the water was used by fifteen different people.

Critical Questions
Jana initiated Water Portraits with critical questions about what motivates us to care for those around us and how we can make informed choices in the consumption of natural resources at its core. The process of Water Portraits serves as a metaphor for how we interact with water, the passage of time, and the impermanence of our possession of natural resources.

Made possible
Jana Romanova collaborated for this project together with Johannes Equizi (installation design) and Sonya Umanskaya (graphic design). Water Portraits is made possible thanks to the support of the Mondriaan Fonds, Stroom Den Haag and MIAP Foundation.