Artist NINA HANLEY

There is a lot to like and admire about self-taught artist Nina Hanley. In a world where inauthenticity, narcissism and selfadulation are perpetuated, this woman, the anthesis of all of these attributes, is real. A 'say it how it is', no-holds-barred, kind of real. Her raw and honest personality is an interesting contrast to the surrealist, 'lowbrow' images she paints.

Walking into the home that Nina shares with husband Bertie and son Max, is both exciting and intriguing. A tasteful, well-appointed, kaleidoscopic use of colour is indicative of just how talented she is. With one pink door, leading onto a blue, contrasted against dark, inky painted walls that showcase her paintings and photographs, she refuses to give in to 'what’s on trend'.

“How boring” Nina comments with a subtle roll of the eyes and a cheeky grin.

The artistic journey hasn’t been an easy one for Nina, though creativity has always coursed through her veins. Her creative journey began in her early 20s as a photographic cadet, spending hours in the darkroom developing images, trying to shrug off being in a 'man’s world' whilst pursuing and honing her creative craft before falling pregnant with her son, Max.

Motherhood has been more challenging for Nina than most, when Max – now 17 – was born with Cerebral Palsy, requiring Nina’s full-time care.

Her first exhibition in 2017, “Thank F*@$ for Max”, acknowledged as much. Because despite the many challenges faced with being a fulltime carer to Max, it did however allow Nina to funnel a lot of her energy into painting. Had she not been at home caring for him she says she most likely would have maintained her 9-5 job with no time for art.

When asked what it is about 'lowbrow' art, an art movement that began in California in the 1960s, that resonates with Nina, it is the satirical, sarcastic and humorous elements of the art, seeing the lighter side of life that is most appealing to her.

Her paintings, using classical painterly techniques, challenge social and emotional taboos.

Drawing inspiration from her own unique experiences, as well as sexual imagery, masterly landscapes and surrealism, Nina hopes that whomever owns her artwork appreciates the comical and sarcastic elements her work focusses on, but also that they look for deeper meaning into her work, and what it means to them. That they chuckle rather than take offense. But ultimately, that it is a piece in their home that they adore.

Nina’s talents – though with little ego she would shy away from such comments – are far reaching. When not covered in paint she is also an incredibly talented photographer.

When seeing her photographic works it should be no surprise that she was a finalist in The Josephine Ulrick & Win Schubert Photography Award (2016 & 2017) and The National Photographic Portrait Prize (2022).

With subjects including Neil Finn and Tim Minchin, her photographic compositions are wry, whimsical, edgy, serve as a beautiful insight into the way she sees the world, and like the creator herself, touching. One of her favourite portraits is "The Dogfather". It is a portrait of her Dad, Jack Hanley, who is currently battling prostate cancer and living alone, as his wife of 51 years and Nina’s mother, is now in an aged care home as she descends deeper into her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Pictured with Jack is his beloved dog, Monty, who has managed to make him smile throughout his journey. Outside of the comical, it is these images that Nina excels at. Creating beautiful tributes out of hardship.

For Nina, the dream is that she can create a fulltime career out of her art. After spending even the briefest of time with her, one can’t help but want that for her too. Because she is sassy and down to earth and honest and kind. But also because she is insanely talented and deserves to be a winner in life. Deserves for her work to be applauded and recognised for its unapologetic uniqueness.

To commission Nina Hanley or to purchase her artwork: WEBSITE ninahanleyart.com