“To me art equals freedom, a place with no rules My art comes from a place of deep emotions. It is also a subconscious place where I don't have to think� Cynthia Hanson Artist
“Even if we disguise ourselves, our eyes always reveal what we have inside�
Valentina Ricupati Art Curator
Collection exhibited from September 17th to December 17th 2016
“Mother being� 8x11 inches Manila Folder colored pencil, ink, pen and wax
The simple technique, made of colored pencils and ink, is combined with the simplicity of the lines and the purity of the chosen colors. Cynthia’s style reminiscent of children's drawings and the coloring books. But behind this simplicity it is hidden a great meaning. The artist treats issues connected to the relationship between man and animals, between man and nature. The concept of "bond" is treated from many points: human faces are one with flowers and animals; each element is inevitably connected to the other. From an existential point of view we could interpret her works as the realization of the chain of events during a lifetime. Cynthia seems to explain the entire life cycle, in which something happens because it was caused by a previous event and so on. This is strictly linked to the concept of destiny, a destiny toward which we proceed unaware and never really prepared, but that could change by changing our attitude. If everyone would manage all relations with authenticity, we would surely live in a better world.
“Never alone� 8x11 inches Manila Folder colored pencil, ink, pen and wax
A multitude of human and animal figures are melted in a unique being. Profiles, eyes, bodies, details, are all united by an eye contact, and trapped in a puzzle made of geometric shapes and colors. The central face is a sort of caricature of the human being, it seems almost a clown with his face covered in white greasepaint, marked by tears of despair. From here departs the vortex of figures, centrifugal and centripetal at the same time. It seems to be released by the central figure, but it returns with strength to it. The group is an extension of the central character, but it’s also a kind of shield, which protects him from the rest of the world. It 's a solid group that exceeds the spatial boundaries, from the depths of the abyss, symbolized by the bottom fishes, to the high of the heavens, as described at the top. It's a whole that mocks the time limits, symbolized by the day and the night in the upper part of the composition. Cynthia doesn’t simply describe a summon of individual parts, but a "whole", a nature which transcends and unifies differences, conveying them into something superior, in a higher and complete essence. The concepts of sharing and connection between all living beings, often recur in the work of Cynthia, who in the simplicity of shapes and colors is able to face issues of universal significance. The artist takes from universe itself a great spiritual force, an immense joy of living "thanks to the others and for the others", a vitality through which she can boldly say "Never alone".
“Birds trio” 8x11 inches Pen, ink and wax on bamboo paper
Black on white. Ink on paper. The hardness of the dark lines seems to dig the pallor of the paper, recalling the effect of an incision of the sixteenth century. You can trace three superimposed layers which create the sensation of depth: the background as base; the floral decoration as intermediate level; and the figure in the foreground, which is a three-headed bird. The background is made through a peculiar geometric effect, made of thin parallel lines giving the impression of wooden slats. It seems to be a real wooden support, whose effect is strengthened thanks to the precise choose of a paper with a very special texture, the bamboo paper. The middle layer presents stylized flowers, excessively elongated and unnatural, which recall the sculptural decoration of Gothic style. In the foreground, the hybrid figure is insistently watching us, capturing our attention and arousing our curiosity. Where is it from? And what does it represent? Probably it comes from a dreamlike dimension that only Cynthia could explain, with all its complex symbolism. Staying on an interpretative level, I think that the more interesting aspect is the lack of color. The work should not be seen, in fact, as an allusion to a monochrome world. On the contrary it seems to be specifically prepared to contain the color. "Birds trio" is a real invitation to fill in the gaps, to "color" the work with our imagination.
Changed 8x11 inches Manila Folder colored pencil, ink, pen and wax
Simple technique, simple colors, but a really deep meaning. Cynthia Hanson uses essential and primitive traits. She wants to come back to the childlike, the sincerity and the spontaneity of the children. Behind apparent serenity and joy, we can see a great sadness, a lost soul desperately trying to fill a void. As a response to her personal experience, the artist seeks consolation in the nature around her, in simplicity and loyalty of animals, and finally in the art itself. Her artworks are generally characterized by a sort of “Horror vacui�, tended to fill every single part of the support. The tendency to want to fill creates two main aspects: a more complete visual rendering, made of colorful and abstract decorations surrounding the main characters; and a kind of moral support with which the protagonist is never left alone. The creative process starts almost always from a central face. It can be a woman, an animal or a mask, which gives life to flowers, fruits and animals, recalling tribal and totemic language. Cynthia feels a visceral connection with all life. It is a primordial bond, given by sharing the existence.
“My melting soul� 11x8 inches Manila Folder colored pencil, ink, pen and wax
M.A.D. GALLERY MILANO MODA - ARTE - DESIGN Critical analysis and
Graphic Design by
Valentina Ricupati Special thanks to the Art Directors Alessandra Magni and Carlo Greco www.madgallerymilano.com