Emma Hack’s inaugural solo exhibition “Mirrored Whispers” with Catherine Asquith Gallery, recalls many aspects of her childhood; in particular, Emma’s fond memories of her grandmother’s extraordinary garden. Heirloom irises, sweet peas, hydrangeas and gardenias all encircled by what seemed to Emma at the time, a monumental Magnolia tree, meant for joyful, blissful times.
This new collection, with its subdued palette and gentle figurative reflections also highlights what Emma terms her ‘inner muse’, that feminine wisdom that we as women experience, at least once in our lives.
As an artist, Emma has always enjoyed working with the female form, and by visually incorporating a ‘mirrored’ image, the works suggest an internal dialogue, a personal narrative and a gentle rendering of this quiet contemplation.
Compositionally, Emma views this collection as an extension of her subject matter: the flora and figures are still present, albeit in softer focus. Emma was purposeful in having the models pose side-on, feeling this profile perhaps a more ‘chastened’ rendition of the female nude.
During the construction of these works, after photographing one model in 2 different ways, Emma then digitally manipulated the image, basically ‘flipping’ it, and allowing the spontaneity of this action to produce what is to her, a “quite magical image”: ironically, not exactly a mirror image, but beautifully sublime.
About the Artist
Emma Hack has been exhibiting professionally since 2002, having held in excess of 20 solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group exhibitions throughout Australia.
Emma has shown at ART Sydney (2008, 2009 and 2010) and ART Melbourne (2009), and internationally, at the London Art Fair (2011) and the Affordable Art Fair, New York (2011).
Emma’s art practice and exhibitions have been widely documented in both the Australian and international press, and in particular, her participation in local and overseas art fairs has been featured on various television programs. In 2011, Emma’s work was highlighted on Australia’s ABC TV’s “Art Nation” program.
Represented nationally throughout Australia, Emma is also represented in London and New York and her work is held in numerous private and corporate collections globally.