A Night to Remember: Celebrating Emily Hana at Red Eight Gallery

Last month, Red Eight Gallery played host to a truly unforgettable evening as we unveiled the third finalist of the 2025 Dubel Prize — the immensely talented Emily Hana.

Known for her ability to blur the boundaries between painting and sculpture, Emily is a completely self-taught artist whose work is as thought-provoking as it is visually striking. Using reclaimed materials — often discarded wood and found objects — she creates immersive, three-dimensional pieces that reflect the layered complexities of identity, memory, and personal growth. Each surface she crafts is a journey, filled with texture, emotion, and a quiet kind of resilience.

Emily's distinctive style draws inspiration from Kurt Schwitters’ Merzbau, fusing texture, form, and imagination in equal measure. The result is work that invites viewers not just to look, but to feel — to connect deeply with the materials and meanings embedded in every piece.

The gallery was buzzing with energy and filled to capacity with guests who came to honour Emily and experience her work up close. In attendance was Damian Alexander Dubel, founder of the Dubel Prize, whose continued vision and passion for championing emerging talent made the evening all the more significant.

The event was gracefully hosted by the brilliant Mary Mandefield, who guided us through a series of insightful conversations. We heard from Julian Usher of Red Eight Gallery, whose reflections added depth to Emily’s artistic journey, as well as a representative from our charity partner Centrepoint, who shared the critical impact of our ongoing collaboration in supporting young people facing homelessness.

The highlight of the night, of course, was hearing from Emily herself. In an intimate and heartfelt talk, she shared her story, her creative process, and what it means to be recognised as a Dubel Prize finalist.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for this special celebration, and especially to Emily — whose work, spirit, and voice continue to inspire and move us.

Stay tuned for more finalist showcases as we continue the journey toward the Dubel Prize 2025.