A conversation with James Reka

What emerges from the hands of artist James Reka is instantly recognizable. His work - be it sweeping outdoor murals or smaller canvases and sculptures - holds a distinct energy that is defined by intersecting spaces, curved angles, and a bold use of the entire colour spectrum. This energy is manifested in wisps of feminine nudes; fragments of animals, fruits and plants, and pure geometric shapes that emerge from his chosen creative medium.

Originally from Melbourne, over the last two decades, James has established himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art scene both within and without Australia. Influenced and inspired by the independent street art movement, as well by pop culture, surrealism, nature, and the people, customs and landscapes of his travels, James’s work - while wide-ranging in subject and form - always seeks to connect with its surroundings and with the individuals that interact with his pieces. His work may be seemingly abstract and fantastical, but dig a little deeper, and you will always discover a precise, intentional story; a fil rouge that runs throughout.

Wall art by James Reka

His work is permanently exhibited at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, and his solo shows have been held in galleries and creative spaces globally, from the United States to France, Italy, Switzerland, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, amongst others. James has collaborated with the likes of Ultimate Ears and Tiffany & Co., and lent his aesthetic to collaborative projects such as the Vision Arts Festival, always remaining true to himself and to his essence.

The creative industry and the relationship between creatives and the general public have been radically transformed with the unfolding of the far-from-usual 2020. Having met James several years back, we have always admired how he has consistently cultivated, refined and developed a distinct artistic voice that does not fit within a specific box - his style is not strictly definable. In being so, fluid and free, James shows us how, no matter how our surroundings may shapeshift, the key to creative fulfilment is held by our inner voice and not by what lies outside of us. We asked him ten questions drawn from the Proust Questionnaire - a questionnaire that has its origins in a parlour game that had been popularised by French essayist Marcel Proust, designed to reveal the player’s true nature.

James Reka

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

It’s a well known quote that “Happiness comes from within.” I am a firm believer that you have to make your ownself happy, and not rely on other people. I guess the definition of "perfect happiness" could be both of those elements fused together. Being surrounded by a network of friends that truly know you and family obviously helps! For me, it's important to love what you do for a living and make it a passion. This is truly how you can make yourself happy, through satisfaction of one’s self.

What is your current state of mind?

After 8 years living and working out of Berlin, I recently moved to Malta. Packing up my life in Berlin, not just physically but also emotionally, was quite stressful and did cause a lot of anxiety. The last month has been an emotional rollercoaster and a very strange mixture of being excited and scared; of being happy and sad - all at the same time. The positive outcome of this is that these strong emotions have made me feel the most alive I have felt in a long time - most probably since relocating to Berlin from my hometown of Melbourne in Australia. After successfully relocating and seeing that all the effort was worth it, I am the happiest I have been in years. I am looking forward to seeing how this positive state of mind will reflect not just on my work, but also on my life in general. Also, I am very much looking forward to seeing how Malta inspires me and how my artwork will evolve. Travel is truly the best inspiration in my opinion.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, who or what would she/he/it be and why?

Since I was young, I have always had these recurring vivid dreams of flying. While this can be a common dream for many, it has always really resonated with me. I know this can be interpreted in many different ways, but for me, I believe I was a bird in a previous life. If we are discussing reincarnation and if I was a bird, I currently must have good karma to now be reincarnated as a human in this life! It might sound strange, but perhaps I would like to become an animal again, possibly a whale or a dolphin. I would assume that being in the ocean would be somewhat peaceful and liberating.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I tend to overthink things, which causes me anxiety and I can be quite pessimistic at times. It’s funny, I often expect the worst and I am constantly surprised that it is never as bad as what I have imagined it would be! I have partaken in meditation before, however it’s getting to the stage I need to practise this daily and make it a routine to see results. I know I have the ability to change.

What is your greatest regret?

I don’t live in regrets - it’s destructive and will only bring sadness.

What is your most treasured possession?

I’m not very materialistic. I guess moving around the world has made me ruthless with my possessions, and I tend to always cull down what I own. I do have a couple of treasured ornaments that my Mum gave me when I originally left Melbourne 8 years back. I have two brass Thai elephants and a white marble Chinese Buddha, which have travelled with me around the world. I view them as guardians, and it is always grounding for me to see them. In some way, I view them as home.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Secure and confident, but not arrogant.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Empathy and compassion.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Undoubtably being able to survive as an artist and live from a passion that I would actually do, regardless of making money or not. I feel that should be the goal in life - to fully live one’s purpose. My greatest achievement is having relocated to the other side of the world and integrated, whilst still being able to survive off this passion.

What is your motto?

Simplify your life.