Marina Hahn
Artist Statement
The kinds of works I make are either representational, abstract or a mixture of both. I paint in oil, acrylic, and watercolors and sometimes I use mixed media. I often start with sketching, then make a decision on material, process, and size.
The ideas I am exploring through my art have always to do with my so-called “three Ps”: psychologically – here the inner self, philosophically – here values, politically – here interaction with others, and nature. In my work, you can find references to various styles. I leave it to you which one you think is predominant. Cy Twombly is an artist whose ideas of mark-making I have purposefully incorporated into my more abstract work.
Over the years my work has evolved from purely intuitive in my teens and twenties to focus on what is concrete and what are the details, to presently a rather intuitive approach but with a choice in art making.
It pleases me when viewers through my paintings feel inspired to further explore. Sometimes there are shared stories in a painting; sometimes new perspectives. To trigger curiosity in a viewer, unlocking the inner child is one motivating force in me. Giving flora and fauna a stage is another essential element in my motivation.
What is your background?
I am a self-taught artist based in Frankfurt/M. Germany. My love for art- making has been a driving force since my childhood. I have further developed my art skills in the past several years.
I stepped into the professional art scene 2021 in Barcelona, Spain – on- site, followed by several virtual group and one on-site exhibition/s throughout 2022 and this year in the first quarter (altogether: Spain, UK, Germany, Greece, USA).
I love to go abstract as for instance in “V.ESTITI.INON”, “Birdsongs” or “Drift”; semi-abstract, as in “Woman with Dog on a Bench Reading”, “Snailing Away” or “Back into the Blue”; as well as representational as in my `Talking Flowers ́ series.
What does it mean to you to win the Collectors Art Prize?
It is very important for me. The Collectors Art Prize is propelling me forward. Professionals recognized my work. That is a wonderful feeling. Thank you.
What do you think is the role of art today?
For me the role is two-fold: Firstly, art is a connector. Art reaches out to those who have things in common as well as to those who have contrary views. Secondly, how I see it, visual art can trigger imagination and with that can create space for an intellectual or emotional exchange; it also slows down the respond-time. Aspects that are especially cool in today’s heated-up atmospheres.
What would it be if you could change one thing about the art world?
There seems to be a necessity for “brands” and with it the urge for artists and galleries to stay on the very same road. As a material-world-native I understand the dilemma.
What are your most significant professional achievements?
Being back in art.
What do you wish to tell viewers about your work that might not come out explicitly?
For those paintings of mine with a suggestion for improvement: most likely I was or still am part of the club that needs change.
What do you hope to inspire with your art work?
Smile and take actions if you think they are necessary in that world you feel being addressed in my work. In all my paintings the common denominator is love.
What advice would you give to the upcoming generation of artists?
Be careful when other people tell you that you cannot have another job next to being an artist. A great source of inspiration might be exactly that “other” job and vice versa.
In what direction would you like to see your career go in the next five years?
Keep on painting obsessively. Working together with galleries, curators and collectors.
Country Germany
Website www.marinahahn.art
