Art Form(s)
Digital, Multimedia, Photography, Other
Connect
madalinak.com/henna
[email protected]
I am interested in collaborative work.
Minneapolis
Artist Statement
Madalina is a Henna artist that is local to the twin cities of Minnesota. Madalina has been privately practicing the art of henna for 8 years. She has taught henna classes at several locations, along with providing her services for some parties and art festivals. With the growing demand for her craft, she has opened up to working more publicly. Madalina started her brand, Mada Mehndi using her Hebrew name, Mada, to connect the traditions of henna used in Sephardic Judaism to her company. Mada, in English, translates to science and for years Madalina, true to her name, has worked on perfecting accessible natural henna paste recipes that work well for her clients. Madalina believes traditions must be kept alive and shared and the history of henna culture is rich for so many. Having a background in graphic design and fine art makes her well known for her unique illustrative henna designs that pair well with the traditional henna art style everyone loves. Her special work features plants in jars, mermaids, and various magical animals.
My name is Madalina Kelner, a 2020 Graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth, School of Fine Arts, with a BFA in Graphic Design, Studio Focus. My passion is amplifying the voices of communities that need recognition, making their concepts tangible and accessible through Fine Art and Design. My artistic goal establishes conversations about serious topics of accessibility and diversity. During my college career, aside from academic achievement, I am most proud of my work with Access For All. A group I rebranded and reawakened on campus and led for two years as president. With my creative solutions, I guided the development of a sensory-friendly space in the Multicultural Center. After creating one successful sensory space, I brought up my ideas to the UMD Kathryn A. Martin Library to consider doing the same. They were receptive and with my guidance, they used a grant to update several study rooms. Both collaborations were recognized and inspired schools across the country to create sensory spaces for their students. Among other groups, I was a passionate graphic designer and board member for ASL club and the RSPT (Regional stormwater protection team). Now that I have graduated, I’m continuing to teach art classes at Southwest Super Summer Program for my tenth summer with Minneapolis Public Schools while pursuing her career as a henna artist.
