The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2021 - Issue 30

biteartistreview Hannah Nijsten A self-taught artist, Hannah Nijsten has developed a nev- er-seen-before unique style by combining abstract with por- traiture to create powerful but calming pieces. Her latest col- lection The Black Square Series explores the interaction of light and reflection achieved by alternating matte and gloss black paint on the surface of each artwork to create smooth areas interlaced with raised edges and ridges. She aspires to explore the visual representation of the power of unity where human- kind comes together for good. She says the inspiration to become an artist has always been within her but it became apparent when she felt most at peace and happy. “I was able to fully and truly be my authentic self." Art captures her attention through the way it triggers emo- tions in her. From the age of 17, Hannah showed artistic flair when she created a huge abstract piece using colour pencils. “It was a drawing of two people in a nightclub setting, with a lot of wild light strobes that I used to create their bodily fig- ures. I called it ‘Love in a Club.’” Hannah is inspired by everything around her. She appreciates being “alive and breathing, meeting and talking to people, do- ing things and absorbing what’s happening.” She would say that female empowerment and the power of people coming together to create a positive change in society is a message she aims to bring across in her work. She enjoys seeing her art- work in a new loving home and sees everything as a learning curve so she doesn’t have any unenjoyable or unrewarding moments in art. A subject she would like to explore, but hasn’t yet, are octopus- es which she describes as the world’s most intelligent creature. “I would explore how their nine brains all work in unison. Im- agine if humans could be as intelligent as octopuses, how in- credible we could transform the world we live in.” She believes a cutting edge and successful artist is someone who connects with their audience on a certain level. “Some artists connect deeply and take the viewer on a journey while some viewers can see something and relate immediately.” Hannah revealed her painting Soft Interior, Strong Exterior is her favourite and one she could stare at for hours. “The sto- ry and meaning behind the painting are so deep and layered, it can trigger so many avenues of thought.” There isn’t an art piece made by another artist that she wished she had made. “My favourite saying is ‘individuality is freedom lived’. If there is an art piece I find incredible, I respect that artist even more but that is their creation, their mind [and] their soul on a can- vas - not mine.” She admires Justice Laub, an LA-based artist (whose handle she revealed is @goodenergy on Instagram). “His works and [the] stories behind the paintings make you think on a very deep level.” Hannah would love to show her work in America, specifically the energetic city of New York. When it comes to the art industry today, the artist says there is a huge division between male and female artists, “It would be wonderful to be able to bridge that gap more and more.” To relax, Hannah loves taking long walks in nature. “Some- times, I have a full weekend with no technology and most importantly, zero news.” She is inspired by environments with real, authentic energy and says that real connections trump anything. For aspiring artists, she would advise them to not hesitate and put their work out there. “Do what feels right by your soul, not by what other people think. Art is so subjective; just do you.” Currently, she has some huge exhibition ideas and projects in the works which will be revealed soon. https://hannahnijsten.co.uk images courtesy of Hannah Nijsten