See more about the Gallery Award here.
Tell us about yourself. Where are you based and where do you get your inspiration for your work?
I live just outside of Stilbaai on the Southern Cape Coast in a Nature Reserve. I share my life with my Husband, who works in Nature Conservation and our son. I have a day job. Nights and days off are spent painting in my studio. I have always been very sensitive to nature’s beauty and the human condition lies central to my work. The interconnectedness of nature inspires me. I have always had meaningful discussions with people in my studio. These encounters somehow leave footprints in my subconscious, upon later reflection these personal interactions tend to play a role in informing my work.
Do you have any rituals or habits involving your art-making that you can tell us about?
Images of what I would like to paint come to me over time. I act these images out before a camera and insert imagery by hand to further communicate an idea. Observing nature informs my additions to the portrait.
Which new trends or South African artists do you find inspiring at the moment?
Conceptual and installation art fascinates me. South African Artists that inspire me are Diane Victor, Hanien Conradie and the late Judith Mason.
How is your work relevant in a South African context? And globally?
My work communicates ideas that are more emotionally or philosophically motivated, these ideas are quite relatable.
What do you think South African artists can contribute to the global art market?
We are probably one of the most diverse countries in the world in terms of our natural history and people. We have come together to form a unique nation. We have faced many challenges but also great successes. As a nation we are young and vibrant maybe still searching for a unified identity. This energy is definitely visible in the art being created at the moment.
What do you think of the StateoftheART Gallery Award as a platform for emerging artists in South Africa?
The State of the art gallery award is a great platform for emerging local artists. Giving Artists the necessary exposure to be recognized. I think there is still a lot of local talent to be discovered.
How do you think selling art online and marketing through social media is valuable?
Selling art online is a great platform. There is still a lot to be learned about E-commerce. I think it is a valuable tool. I am an art lover and cannot always attend art shows, through the internet I can at least experience some of what was being shown. Social media is such an instant medium to connect with an audience, fellow artists etc.
How do you feel about the upcoming group exhibition and the other shortlisted finalists’ works?
I am very excited about the upcoming group exhibition! Looking forward to meeting the other finalists. Honored to have my name amongst them.
Do you have any plans for the coming year?
For the coming year I plan to keep working and painting.
If you win the Gallery Award, tell us about what you have in mind for your solo exhibition in 2019?
If I was to have a solo exhibition in 2019, I would continue exploring current themes.
Nadine Hansen is 31 years old and a self-taught artist having studied the basics of art under teacher Dorothy Schmidt.
