Jana Romanova
Jana Romanova is a multidisciplinary artist based in The Hague, Netherlands. She began her career as a photojournalist, a foundation that significantly influenced her subsequent artistic practice. Jana holds a BA in Journalism from Saint-Petersburg State University (2001-2006) and earned an MA in Photography and Society from the Royal Academy of Art (KABK) in The Hague in 2021. As a guest lecturer, she conducts workshops on playful approaches at esteemed institutions such as The Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
Jana's work is deeply inspired by misunderstandings. Through performance, play practices, photography, and video, she explores the gaps between what we say and what we do. These breaches in communication are viewed as opportunities for connection, fostering a shared space of understanding and togetherness. Her recent projects emphasize the potential of games, play, and playfulness to create meaningful connections. By designing and facilitating live-action role plays (LARPs) and games in physical spaces, she seamlessly blends art with interaction.
Her exhibitions include "Water Portraits" at Museum Hilversum, Netherlands (2024), the Prospects show by Mondriaan Foundation at Art Rotterdam, Netherlands (2024), and See Lab in The Hague, Netherlands (2023). She also participated in PAN Amsterdam as part of the MIAP Foundation exhibition (2022). Additionally, her work "I Don’t Think I’ll Stay Here Long" was featured at Nest Den Haag as part of "The Grand Palace of Everyone" in 2023.
Jana has been the recipient of several prestigious grants, including the Stroom Den Haag PRO Invest grant (2024), the Mondriaan Artist Start grant (2023, 2022), and the MIAP Foundation grant (2021). She also participated in the renowned Joop Swart Masterclass by World Press Photo (2016).
Her work has garnered attention from prominent publications, including Foam (The Netherlands), Der Spiegel (Germany), British Journal of Photography (UK), GUP (The Netherlands), National Geographic (USA), Russian Reporter (Russia), PDN Magazine (USA), Independent (UK), and Lens Culture.