OUR THIRD FINALIST
Emily Hana
Emily Hana is a visionary sculptural painter whose work blurs the boundaries between painting and sculpture, crafting immersive three-dimensional pieces from reclaimed materials. Entirely self-taught, Emily transforms discarded wood and objects into intricate surfaces that embody the complex layers of identity and personal growth. Her unique style reflects influences from Kurt Schwitters’ Merzbau, exploring texture, form, and imagination in equal measure.
A highlight of Emily's career includes her 2021 solo exhibition, Komorebi, in London and her 2023 shortlisting for the Royal British Arts Rome scholarship, culminating in a group show in Mayfair. Her recent works delve into the longing for touch in an age of artificial intimacy, reimagining her childhood invention of a "hugging machine" into thought-provoking scenes between humans and imagined forms. Through AI-generated imagery and physical creations, she explores the tension between connection and technological interaction.
Dynamic and deeply emotive, Emily’s art invites viewers to engage from multiple angles, revealing fresh perspectives and evolving narratives with every glance. Her creations are a testament to transformation—both of materials and the human experience—offering profound reflections on connection, absence, and the art of renewal.