Dreamscapes: An Interview with Kaja Horvat
We are excited to present our interview with Kaja Horvat, a talented 26-year-old artist based in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Currently completing her Master’s in Visual Communication Design at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Kaja is a versatile creator who works across various mediums, including animation, illustration, graphic design, video and photography. Her artistic exploration extends beyond visual arts; in her free time, she practices tribal fusion dance and sings in an ethno music group.
In this interview for URF Mag, we delve into Kaja’s creative journey, her inspirations, and her vision for the future.
URF: We want to admit, we are delighted with your creative thinking. It's clear that you have style and technique, so We'd like to know how you came up with it. What was the beginning of your creative journey?
K: Thank you so much. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment when my creative journey began. I’d say it started in childhood when my grandmother taught me crocheting, sewing, and embroidery, and when my sister and I were staging dance and singing performances, photoshoots, and creating videos. Of course, it was all part of play, but in essence, I’m doing the same thing today—just on a higher level. Officially, my creative journey began with studying graphic design, but I quickly realized I didn’t want to limit my creativity to just one medium. My style evolved organically during my studies. I wasn’t focused on developing a specific style—I simply explored things that sparked my curiosity and filled me with a sense of wonder. Over time, a style began to form, but I have to say it’s still evolving, and I have no intention of fully defining it.
URF: Your work looks very surreal and conceptual, which is extremely exciting.
What are your favorite themes and aesthetics? What do you explore in your work and why?
K: I primarily focus on themes that evoke feelings of wonder and a sense of hidden realities that aren’t immediately apparent in daily life. I set no boundaries on the themes I explore. Currently, my work focuses on investigating corporeality, femininity, sensuality, archetypal symbolism, and connectivity. In short, I’m in search of childlike wonder in the everyday or mundane, and when I recognize it, my goal is to communicate that feeling to the viewer.
URF: It’s also easy to notice that you often shoot creative videos with yourself. Is there a specific idea behind this? Doesn't this complicate the technical process of shooting video?
K: Filming myself definitely sometimes leads to technical complications. However, it can also be quite practical, as I’m always available as my own subject, which gives me flexibility with time and allows me to relax more in the creative process. This approach evolved quite spontaneously, emerging from playful exploration, yet I can identify several reasons behind it. Firstly, this way of working allows me a lot of self-exploration; by embodying diverse roles, I continuously establish a relationship with my psyche and how I physically present myself. Secondly, through these animations, I satisfy my own longing for a specific state or atmosphere, often projecting myself into a particular, mostly surreal, space where I wish to be. Thirdly, I believe this method also facilitates a stronger connection between viewers and the intended atmosphere, as they can project themselves into my character. But don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely also open to filming and collaborating with others.
URF: Which work in your portfolio is most important to you? Which one do you show first if someone is interested in what you do?
K: That’s quite a difficult question. I usually direct people to my Instagram, where they can explore a wide range of my work and decide for themselves which piece resonates with them, as each piece reflects a part of me, and I prefer not to single out any specific one. However, I’m currently working on a film for my master’s thesis, which is by far my biggest project and holds the most significance for me at the moment.
URF: We would also be interested in knowing about your motivation. How do you come up with ideas and what inspires you most?
K: I can’t give a straightforward answer to that. I’d love to say life itself, but I know no one would be satisfied with that answer. People often tell me I’m quite sensitive, idealistic, and curious, and when I feel an atmosphere I’d like to amplify in everyday life, I try to express it through my work. My ideas come from exploring art and the mentality of different historical periods, from dreams, relationships with loved ones, bodywork, and music. Most of my ideas definitely come late at night, right before I fall asleep, when a wave of creativity and excitement often floods me.
URF: On topic in the previous question: do you have any favourite artists that you follow and are inspired by? Which of them would you dream of collaborating with?
K: My answer to this question changes frequently. Currently, I’m particularly inspired by Alejandro Jodorowsky, Hilma af Klint, Leonora Carrington, Robert Fludd and Remedios Varo. Among contemporary artists of my generation, I greatly admire Polina Osipova.
URF: We watched the music videos you took part in. This is incredible!
How would you describe this experience? Do you have any plans to make more music videos?
K: Thank you. Every time I create a music video, it’s a unique experience. Longer animation projects feel like running a marathon because they require patience, dedication, and trust that you’ll make it to the finish line. But in the end, it always feels worth it.I’m always grateful for the trust musicians and collaborators have in my work.I definitely see myself continuing to collaborate with musicians in the future. When I connect with the music, it’s an honor to create the visuals for it.
URF: What projects and ideas do you have for the future? Maybe there is something new that you would like to try in your creativity?
K: As I mentioned, alongside smaller projects, my main focus right now is on my master’s thesis. I am creating a short documentary animated film that explores and critiques the dualistic logic embedded in patriarchal social structures, focusing on how it affects women's lives and experiences.
URF: The goal of URF Mag is to inspire and support young artists, so we just have to ask: what advice can you give to beginners who want to create conceptual art?
K: My main advice is to remain as curious as possible. I also believe that playfulness, a bit of idealism, subtlety, and maintaining a critical mindset can be incredibly helpful.
At the end of the interview, we asked Kaja to share an interesting fact about herself, to which she replied, ‘a fun fact about me is that I dream a lot. On average, I remember about five dreams every morning, and I often joke that my dream life feels more vivid than my waking life.’ It's true what they say - dreams always have a meaning!
In conclusion, our conversation with Kaja Horvat has offered a fascinating glimpse into her artistic journey and the inspirations that shape her work. As she continues to explore new ideas and mediums, it’s clear that her passion for art and storytelling remains at the forefront of her practice. We look forward to seeing how her unique vision unfolds in future projects and are excited to witness the impact she will undoubtedly make in the art world. Thank you, Kaja, for sharing your insights and experiences with us!
You can immerse yourself in the dreamy world of Kaja’s work through her Instagram Page.