Milena Anna Bouma is a talented multidisciplinary artist based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Her thought-provoking installations, sculptures, and performances explore the relationship between humans and objects, and question the status of human-created objects in our world. Bouma's works are characterized by a nuanced energy and a playful use of scale and materials. In this interview, we will get familiar with Bouma's creative process, inspirations, and aspirations for her art.
What were your earliest creative memories like?
I grew up in a family where creativity was appreciated, and taken seriously. Visual art, design and the aesthetics of things, were always present around me while I was growing up. My mother and my grandmother were always discussing furniture, art, or what kind of composition the plants in the garden should look like. Ever since I can remember I have been busy with drawing and creating, and as a kid I always had dreams about becoming an illustrator or a writer. I was very lucky that my creativity has always been motivated within my family.
Who did you look up to when you were first building your portfolio?
I was always, and I still am, very inspired by the artist Isa Genzken. Somehow she manages to use any material in her sculptures and installations, and despite the materials she uses are very diverse, there is still such a consistency in the work.
Why does food play such a big part in your expression?
In my work I am always searching for a certain hint of the reality in which we exist. I try to create small or big shifts in what things around us look like and what could be other possibilities for the appearances of objects and things surrounding our homes. I like to call this a “camouflage”. In order to reach this, I do not only on focus on domestic utensils, objects and materials, but also the things that derive from that - such as food. Food products are often made of malleable materials that inspire me to think further than classic materials in sculpture.
Are you passionate about food too?
Haha, I love food, but I try to separate my work from my kitchen, and my house in general.
Can you walk us through your creative process for developing a new piece of work?
I always with an experiment in the studio. This can be combining two materials or objects. I do try-outs, and this often creates a domino effect. I create something, and this causes ideas for other works to happen. I do not fear of engaging mistakes within the works - a lot of works are outcomes of experiments gone differently than planned out. Next to this I have several ways of working that repeatedly come back, which I see as a manual for myself. I manipulate the skin or outside layer of things, I make negatives of objects by making moulds, or I change the size, length or width of something existing.
Sculpture is a medium you work a lot with, how did you get started with it?
When I started studying in the Rietveld Academy, I was immediately drawn towards working three-dimensional. I found sculpture exciting because it is always a challenge against gravity. Next to that it motivated me a lot that you can incorporate materials from the real world. It offers a lot of freedom, but in the same time defines a framework for creation.
And these days how has your workflow changed?
Last year I have started to incorporate 3d rendered moving image in my work. The base of my interest for this medium is the same as within sculpture: it is possible to create anything from our world into a 3d rendered image, and through doing so, I can investigate the same topic as I do within sculpture.
In terms of your use of colour, what are the key ideas you have behind their power and effect in your work?
Colours play a vital role in our daily life and domestic environment. It brings up associations, memories and thoughts. I see it as just another way of communication. Next to that, I also approach objects as compositions with colours.
What do you hope viewers of your work take away after seeing it?
Even though the roots of my works a sometimes very personal - the outcome is familiar to many peoples’ eyes.
Related Articles
Ants & Sainté at Patta Amsterdam
Ants & Sainté at Patta Amsterdam
Patta Amsterdam are excited to invite you to a special in-store event with two of the most exciting names in the game right now - Ants & Sainté! Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering their work, this is the perfect chance to meet them, chat with them in person, and get a behind-the-scenes look into their world. Ants & Sainté are making waves with their unique sounds, fresh style, and undeniable energy. And now, they’re taking time to meet you - their fans and the Patta community - right here in Amsterdam.Ants & Sainté will be in-store at Patta Amsterdam, Zeedijk 68 from 18:00 until 20:00 on November 7th.This is your chance to snap a pic, ask questions, and vibe with the artists up close. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, music lover, or just someone who appreciates good energy, you won't want to miss this event! So grab your friend and come down to Patta Amsterdam for a legendary meet & greet. Can’t wait to see you there!Get familiar with Ants here.Get familiar with Sainte here.
Tales From The Echobox 016
Tales From The Echobox 016
Interview by Joe Leonard-Walters | Edited by Passion Dzenga Launching in 2021, Echobox has been forging a path for community radio by showcasing the diverse characters and concepts that surround them. In this feature, we will be looking into a few of the broadcasts that you can tune into so get lock
Music
Boris Tellegen - Final Fantasy
Boris Tellegen - Final Fantasy
Get ready for an exciting new exhibition by Boris Tellegen at Backslash Gallery in Paris, running from November 9 to December 21, 2024. The opening reception is on Saturday, November 9, from 2 PM to 8 PM, and you won’t want to miss it! Tellegen, known for his vibrant street art and intricate designs
art
Get Familiar: MANSO̶U̶R̶
Get Familiar: MANSO̶U̶R̶
Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Adam ZMMeet MANSO̶U̶R̶, the rising star making waves with his new psychedelic EP ‘not disturb’ featuring Sam Wise, Kadiata, El Londo and Rxlls. From spinning sets for big names like JEAN PAUL GAULTIER and NIKE to crafting his own sound, MANSO̶U̶R̶ is bridging the gap between Paris and London’s underground scenes. Raised in an Algerian and Guinean household in Paris, he soaked up rich cultural influences that shaped his eclectic style. At just 21, this esteemed DJ blends hip-hop, jazz, and electronic vibes, creating infectious energy on stage. As he continues to rise, his DIY spirit and creative edge are positioning him as one of the most exciting new voices in the game. Let’s dive into his journey and the sounds driving his artistry!Congratulations on your brand-new EP 'not disturb'. Can you walk us through the creative process and collaboration behind it? What were your inspirations and what do you want listeners to take away from it?My inspiration behind it was honestly just everyday life, you know. All these same questions we all ask ourselves — “not disturb“ is based on real-life experiences. It's about recognizing and handling our emotions in a mindful way. People often fear their emotions, but to me now, it’s fine —you can’t escape who you are. It’s also about knowing when and how to step back from the noise, to protect your own peace and mental space. I’m part of the #albumteam. I really love albums. Especially the ones that resonate with me, my experiences, whatever I’m going through. I love how an album can speak to me, even from miles away, make me feel understood. So I thought why not do the same with my own music. 'not disturb' is my way of capturing these emotions and experiences we all face, through my own creation. That’s why I want people to not just hear it, but actually listen to it.Also, side note - never underestimate a project that a friend sends you because it made them feel something, an emotion they chose to share with you. I love my friends, they build me up, and to me, that's powerful, ngl.Growing up in Paris with Algerian and Guinean roots, and spending time in London, your sound is a unique blend of cultures and influences. How do you think your upbringing has shaped your approach to music and creativity?Long story short: Mumsy listened to Tina Turner, Dad to Miles Davis. She’d play a lot of Disclosure, he would have Mary J. Blige on. You get the idea. So I think that naturally when you see how music can deeply move people like that, it can make you want to feel that same magic. I will say though, I think when you’re a music nerd or neek (or whatever people are calling you) it can feel kind of overwhelming. You’re exposed to so much music that you end up liking a lot of different things. But yeah, my life has always revolved around music; it's really that simple. I will never stop [creating music]. I need that.You’ve worked with some major fashion brands like Jean Paul Gaultier and Nike. How did you go from DJing for these big names to stepping into music production? How do fashion and music intersect for you?First I wanna say I’m thankful for that. I wouldn’t say I stepped into music production though; I was more like 'floating' around it for a while. I’ve always been creating music, even before I started DJing. What I love about production is that it’s all about creation — that’s priceless to me. I just love creating, and I know I always will. Now, it's more about putting in the work to bring those creations to life.Both [fashion and music] are forms of self-expression and creativity, each with a unique ability to influence culture and connect people. That’s why I’m always excited and intentional about continuing to explore music, fashion, or any other paths I choose.Your debut EP 'DO YOU GET IT' made waves in the alt-rap scene. What vibe were you trying to communicate with that project, and how do you feel it's been received?With ”DO YOU GET IT”, I just wanted to capture what I was feeling and going through at the time, without worrying too much about how it would be received—just like with everything else I do. For me, it was more about releasing ideas and creating a sound that resonated with me, rather than trying to please or overthink the reaction. Once the music is out there, it doesn’t really belong to me anymore. People can interpret it however they want. Me, personally, I’m a fan. The most important thing is that it stays true to who I am.From collaborating with artists like Len, BXKS, and Odunsi, to playing alongside Sainté and Ragz Originale, you’ve been making moves in both the Paris and London underground scenes. What do you think draws you to these collaborations, and how do they inspire your sound?These are artists I’ve been listening to from the start, and I know I’ll always come back to their music. Collaborating with them feels truly organic, and it’s something I’m genuinely grateful for. What draws me to these collaborations is simple: I create, they create, so why not work together and see where it takes us, you know?I will say though, working with each of them, they didn’t just take the easy route but really embraced the vision. They weren’t afraid to dive into more challenging beats, and that’s something I really respect and that inspires me. Shout out to all of them. What I’m also realizing more and more now is that your sound is really shaped by who you surround yourself with. That’s the lesson that I’m learning right now—how much your circle influences and pushes you creatively.You’re known for mixing genres like hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. How do you decide which elements to bring together when producing a track? Do you have a specific vision going in, or does it evolve naturally?I don’t really overthink it. Creating, at its core, is just an extension of who you are, right? So I naturally end up expressing whatever I’m feeling in the moment. There’s no specific formula or plan I follow—it’s more about letting things flow. The mix of genres happens because those are the sounds I connect with. Whether it’s hip-hop, jazz, or electronic music, it all just blends together based on the vibe I’m in. I’m just vibing. I let the track evolve on its own and trust the process, without trying to force it into any kind of box.Your live sets are described as energetic and eclectic, with a real communicative vibe. How do you prepare for a set? Do you approach live performance differently from studio production?Same here. It’s all about selecting and seeing what unfolds. If you’re strictly bangers, that’s totally fine— But for me, the track selection is what matters the most. A great set isn’t just about flawless transitions; it’s about curating tracks that resonate with you as a DJ first. That’s the essence of the job, right? Allowing people to discover new sounds. Each track I play, I connect deeply with, and then it’s up to the audience to embrace the experience and the vibe. That’s what I’ve always done and will continue to do with my performances.The alt-rap scene is exploding right now, and you’re positioned right at the forefront of that movement. How do you see this genre evolving, and where do you see your place within it?I’m not exactly sure what defines alt-rap, but what I do know is that I’m focused on making the music that I love. I believe in staying true to your sound and expressing yourself authentically. At the end of the day, that’s what lasts. Contributing to the growth of something I’m passionate about, while staying genuine to my own style — that’s the only approach I’m committed to.You’ve quietly been pulling strings behind the scenes for a while now, not just in music but also in fashion and community projects. Can you share a bit about the vision or mission that drives your work beyond music?My entourage. I truly believe that when you have ideas, it’s essential to put them into action and involve your friends in the process. Also, I love stories, every story carries a unique message and is worth telling. That’s why I’m committed to crafting my own narrative and bringing those stories to life, whether through music, fashion, or community projects. Ultimately, it’s all about human connections and building something meaningful together.What’s next for MANSO̶U̶R̶? Can we expect more collaborations, a full-length project, or any new directions in sound? What should your listeners be looking out for?All I can say is that we’ll keep going, and that’s something we’ll always do. #dyougetit
Get Familiar: Manso̶U̶R̶
Get Familiar: Manso̶U̶R̶
Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Adam ZM Meet MANSO̶U̶R̶ , the rising star making waves with his new psychedelic EP ‘not disturb’ featuring Sam Wise, Kadiata, El Londo and Rxlls. From spinning sets for big names like JEAN PAUL GAULTIER and NIKE to crafting his own sound, MANSO̶U̶R̶ is br
Get Familiar
Patta 20Yrs Anniversary Sale
Patta 20Yrs Anniversary Sale
The Patta 20 YRS Anniversary Sale is coming to Batavia Stad in Lelystad. Join us for a special event where we've set aside Patta staples and exclusives. Team Patta curated a huge selection of recent releases, old gems, mainline apparel, collaborations, and accessories. Don't miss out on budget-frien
Partnerships
Get Familiar: Macksta C
Get Familiar: Macksta C
Interview by Victor Crezée & Passion Dzenga | Photography by Henrik Dieber & Jonathan Pieterse Get familiar with Macksta C , a prominent Memphis rap-focused musician, collector, designer and archivist. Originally hailing from Hamburg and now based in Amsterdam, Macksta C has made a significant mark
Get Familiar
Loced Out At Warmoesstraat 67
Loced Out At Warmoesstraat 67
Loced Out is, in essence, an exhibition and event that highlights the bridge between old-school and new-school Memphis Rap. In the 90s, while hip-hop was tumultuously dominated by East Coast and West Coast sounds, Southern music was heading in a different direction. One of the most notable cities in
Art
Sideshow - F.U.N.
Sideshow - F.U.N.
Here is the latest music video from Sideshow; he can be seen wearing the latest collection from Patta AW24.
Music
Get Familiar: Sabri
Get Familiar: Sabri
Interview by Passion Dzenga Today, we’re chopping it up with SABRI - a soulful artist blending R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop with her own raw edge. Born to a Moroccan father and Algerian mother, SABRI got hooked on music early, vibing to icons like Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, and Mary J. Blige before she could ev
