Featured: Juna Horstmans

An interview with Juna Horstmans

Until the end of the year, Juna Horstmans’ work graces the poster box on the facade of TOBACCO Theater in the Nes. This Dutch-Australian illustrator, who commutes between Amsterdam and London, creates enchanting collages in which pattern and reality converge. What drives her, and how does her work come into being? We spoke with Juna about her inspiration from travel, everyday beauty and her unique creative process.

Your work embodies a beautiful interplay between precision and imagination. Can you walk us through your creative process from initial idea to finished collage?

Thank you! My work is rooted in a sense of discovery and how I translate that into a vibrant new composition. My creative process typically begins with going out into the world and taking snapshots of my surroundings. It could be anything—a pot plant perched on a balcony ledge, the curve of a street sign, or even the interplay of shadows on a wall. I believe there’s inspiration everywhere if you take the time to really look for it.

Back in my workshop, I use these collected images as a springboard for my collages. Working with paper, scissors, and glue, I trace, cut, and assemble derivatives of these images, letting my imagination transform them into something new. The outcome is a multi-layered process that requires first the folding and positioning of rough shapes, and then slowly building out an intricate composition with miniscule scraps of coloured paper.

Paper fragments play a central role in your art. What is it about paper as a medium that resonates with you, and how do you source or choose your materials?

There’s something about the tactile nature of paper that I can never get over. As a very hands-on person, I find that working with paper allows me to connect with my practice on a deeper, more physical level. Its versatility—being foldable, scrunchable, tearable—offers endless opportunities for exploration and experimentation, enabling me to play with new shapes, textures, and layers.

Many of the paper fragments I use are found or recycled. I’ve developed a habit of collecting materials like chocolate wrappers, gift wrapping, or anything with an interesting texture or color. I also source some paper from Vlieger, my favourite paper shop in Amsterdam, which has such a rich variety. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with painting and spray painting on paper, which adds another dimension to the medium and expands its possibilities within my work.

What’s the most unusual or unexpected source of inspiration you’ve ever had?

One of the most unexpected sources of inspiration for me has been the doorways and walls I come across while traveling, especially in Europe. Whenever I’m on holiday, I find myself drawn to their textures, patterns, and unique details. Places like Italy and Spain, with their intricate tile work and beautifully aged surfaces, have left a lasting impression. These elements have become a key influence on my work, inspiring the way I approach colour, layering and composition.

What has been your most rewarding project so far, and what made it stand out for you?

Honestly, the project I created for TOBACCO Theater has been the most rewarding so far. It was a significant undertaking, and having the opportunity to exhibit it in such a public space was truly amazing. The sheer scale of the work itself felt like a significant achievement and really pushed me to think bigger. It also set the path for many other large-scale projects to come and proved to be a great challenge that helped me grow as an artist.

You describe your work as a dialogue between pattern and reality. How do you see your art connecting with or challenging viewers’ perceptions of the world?

By reinterpreting elements of reality as stylised patterns and bold colours, I aim to draw attention to everyday objects that are often overlooked. My art reflects my unique perspective, thereby offering viewers a glimpse into how I see the world. I hope that through engaging with my work, viewers will begin to notice and appreciate the beauty in the everyday, perhaps in the same way I do.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out with collage or graphic design, particularly balancing technique, and creativity?

My advice would be to have fun with it and experiment as much as you can. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or worrying about finding your own style, but I believe the best way to develop both technique and creativity is through hands-on exploration. While digital tools are helpful, they can only take you so far. Using your hands to create—whether in collage or design—helps you connect more deeply with your inner artist and that sense of playfulness we often lose touch with. In a world dominated by digital, I truly believe we need more analogue!