Yaniv Janson’s art and activism

12 September 2019
For Raglan artist Yaniv Janson, the number 22 has become a creative framework. Each collection begins with a theme that he explores through 22 paintings.

The recipient of the Arts Access PAK'nSAVE Artistic Achievement Award 2019, Yaniv had recently completed a new collection titled Project 22. Developed over several years, the series drew on 22 paint test pots in each work and reflected his ongoing interest in experimentation and environmental themes.

"I've been developing this collection over a couple of years," Yaniv says. "Several of the paintings were finalists in the Wallace Art Awards and the National Youth Art Awards."

The Arts Access PAK'nSAVE Artistic Achievement Award recognises an artist whose work and achievements are making a significant contribution to the arts in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In selecting Yaniv for the award, the judging panel praised both his artistic achievements and his commitment to creating positive social change.

"Through his art and activism, this talented young artist is building bridges across communities, and engaging people in social and environmental issues. Yaniv's commitment, achievements, vision and innovation are outstanding."

By the time he received the award, Yaniv had exhibited in more than 40 galleries across New Zealand, France, Montenegro, Canada, Israel and the United States. He had sold more than 160 paintings, won 20 awards, become the youngest guest artist invited to exhibit at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts in Wellington, and had five works acquired by the Wallace Arts Trust collection. His artworks had also been published in several books.

Using art to challenge perceptions

Yaniv has autism and epilepsy but says he has never let either define who he is. Working on large canvases filled with vibrant colour, he creates works that invite people to engage with important social and environmental issues.

One of his most significant projects is Please Do Touch, an exhibition created to encourage audiences to experience art through touch as well as sight, challenging traditional gallery conventions while making art more accessible.

"I come up with my own ideas and I feel like I'm different to other artists. I'm shy and I've had to work really hard to overcome my fear of public speaking. I prefer to show colours and paintings rather than using words. But it's important for me to show that disability is not a barrier to achieving."

Art as activism

Since he began painting in 2007, Yaniv has combined creativity with advocacy, using art to encourage conversations about environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

He recalls one moment that had a lasting impact on his work.

"I remember watching the news and seeing a man's house disappear under water because of rising sea levels," he says. "At home, we talk a lot about global warming and it's something I want to raise awareness about through my art."

That passion led to Please Do Touch being exhibited at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in 2018 during the annual meeting of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Hosted by Hon Carmel Sepuloni, the exhibition highlighted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrated how art can spark discussion about both humanity and the environment.

"The thing I'm most proud of is how the Please Do Touch idea has travelled around the world," Yaniv says.

Alongside his exhibitions, Yaniv also developed a Sustainable Goals Journal for school students, encouraging young people to express their creativity while taking practical action on environmental issues in their communities.

Through his art, advocacy and willingness to challenge convention, Yaniv continues to demonstrate how creativity can build understanding, inspire action and make the arts more accessible for everyone.