Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanna Jaeun
Hi Hanna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am an artist, more specifically a painter. My work is often categorized as dark art or lowbrow art. I mainly work with acrylic paint on wood panel. I love the smoothness of wood which allows for greater detail. Drawing inspiration from the macabre, childhood memories, and my love of animals, my work explores themes of alienation, vulnerability, and the yearning to belong. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to exhibit internationally and across the US, including Beyond Eden Art fair, SCOPE art fair at Miami Basel, the L.A. Art Show and various galleries.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been a smooth road. There have been many challenges and setbacks. Some struggles come from being self taught and managing limited time while juggling the unknown and a job. I found myself alone in this and without connections in this field. I relied on Google to guide me through each step. There were moments when I realized I was using the wrong type of paint, encountered many difficulties with varnishing, had to learn how to digitize my work, struggled with Photoshop, and figured out the complexities of packing and shipping my pieces. Balancing all of this with my freelance work consumed so much time that I had little to no social life. I felt isolated and lonely at times.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a painter, mainly working with acrylics on wood panels, slowly layering and blending paint to build depth.
Themes of death and the journey to the afterlife are prevalent in my paintings. Animals and animal/human hybrids are commonly seen in my work. This allows such darker themes to be more approachable and softens them with a sense of whimsy, They also represent our raw emotions and existence, which are animalistic in nature.
I am most proud of not giving up even when things are not going well. Each person has unique experiences, abilities, and emotions. Sharing my work can feel vulnerable, but receiving appreciation or substantial purchases fills me with immense pride and happiness, making it all worthwhile.
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I was uncomfortably shy and quiet around new people and places. I loved swimming, ice skating, and I was pretty good at roller skating. And, of course, drawing, painting, and creating were a big part of my childhood. These early experiences have greatly influenced who I am today and are reflected in my work now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hannajaeun.com
- Instagram: @hannajaeun
- Facebook: hannajaeunart
