Figuratively Speaking: Interview with American Artist Aunia Kahn

Text by Felly Loi | Interview by Jessica Ye

Breaking creative thresholds is a deliberate act for American artist Aunia Kahn.

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As a multi-disciplinary creative entrepreneur based in Shiloh, Illinois, Kahn has cultivated a career that traverses the boundaries of figurative art, photography, and curation. She is the founder of Alexi Era Gallery a project dedicated to showcasing international talent while fostering a localised community of creators.

Kahn’s current standing is a testament to the endurance of the creative spirit. Having navigated a traumatic childhood and over a decade of medical affliction, her work serves as a refined map of her psychological recovery. What began as a refuge has evolved into a sophisticated professional practice, proving that the most resonant art often grows from the most hostile environments.

I conducted an exchange with Kahn to discuss the iconography of her work and the delicate balance of running a global creative enterprise.

CT: How did you arrive at your specific figurative style, and was the human form always the intended vessel for your narrative?

AK: As a child I had always loved art but never aspired to be an artist even though it was my life. However, when I got older and got very ill, art became a refuge for me. In this, I worked on mostly self portraiture as I tried to get answers and find a way to recover from my affliction. 11.5 years later I am healing, finally have a diagnosis and art saved me.

CT: Your work frequently intersects with the iconography of tarot. What drew you to this specific visual language?

AK: Years ago I was introduced to tarot as art by another artist that wanted me to model for a couple pieces in a deck he created and as I look further into the history and iconography I fell in love with tarot. I wanted to learn tarot and what better way than to create your own deck one card at a time while studying them.

CT: When it comes to the readings themselves, do you view the deck as a literal tool for divination or a psychological mirror?

AK: I don’t think it’s a matter of belief for me but more a matter of how symbolism, the card meanings and how you connect with a deck comes about. Personally, I find that when I do readings for myself it is almost always in alignment to what I need to learn or know. To me tarot is not a tool for fortune telling but a way to navigate life while bringing in new thoughts and ideas.

CT: Many creatives require a specific environment to foster inspiration. Where does your soul retreat to?

AK: For me, I love to read and explore nature. I do a ton of photography outside and that is where my soul takes me to get inspired. 

CT: Beyond the studio, you manage a gallery and a publishing house. How do you maintain the intellectual depth of your own work while overseeing the commercial output of others?

AK: This is a question that comes up a lot. The gallery, publishing company, the Create and Inspire project and doing art takes up most of my time. Right now, I am still trying to find a delicate balance to do all these things. One thing that helps is a huge wall calendar (3 feet wide), my daily planner and a white board for brainstorming.  I also make sure I take time for myself and spend time with my dog. 

CT: Your recent piece, “Obscure Sorrow,” suggests a shift in your creative trajectory. How does it depart from your earlier explorations?

AK: The last piece work I did was entitled “Obscure Sorrow” which seemed to take me in a whole new direction as a creator. To be frank, I am not even sure how to put a deeper explanation of that into words. When I look at the work I can see a different sense of direction however, I go throught that time and time again as I move through new pieces of art. 

CT:  Looking back at the arc of your career, are there highlights that you feel have fundamentally shaped your perspective?

AK: My whole career has been a highlight to me. Meaning, there is not one thing I could hold higher than the other since each opportunity, award, exhibition, connection, interview, feature in a magazine has brought me to where I am today. Each thing counts. If I had to pick something as a highlight to talk about; it would be that I am honored to do this for a living providing me with the rewarding experience of being able to connect with people through art and give back/help other artists with “Create & Inspire” and “Alexi Era Gallery.

CT: If you could revisit your earlier years, what would you change about your approach to the industry? 

AK: I am very pleased with the path I have taken on this journey, yet I feel if I would have know better I would have been a lot less fearful about self-expression a lot earlier on. There are no apologies for art and what I or anyone else does as a creator as long as no one is being hurt (not meaning feelings – I more mean physically mauled or something morally wrong). Fear is a waste. Do what you love and do it without any apologies. 

CT: Finally, who or what serves as your ultimate muse?

AK: My muse has always been the trials and tribulations I have faced as a young girl and adult. I always wanted to hit them head on and art was the perfect platform to do so.