British artist Hannah Nijsten is already on the radar of many collectors following her acclaimed collection, Standing With You, which launched to great acclaim from professional footballers across the UK. The collection, which closely involved football stars Gary Lineker, Andy Cole, Ross Barkeley, Anton Ferdinand, Kieran Gibbs and Shaun Wright-Phillips made a stand against racism within football in the UK.
Now Hannah’s experience of synaesthesia has inspired a new show, Squares Cubed, at popular tourist destination The Outernet in Tottenham Court Road, London.
Hannah’s experience the rare neurological condition was so profound that it affected her mobility of one side of her body and neurologlists were unable to advise on how to improve her condition. Hannah described her state as ‘senses become entwined – meaning I was hyper-sensitive to light and high-frequency music’. It was only when she listened to high frequency classical music did things start to improve and restore her to good health. This experience inspired the show and through this she has created both explosive digital arts combined with a physical installation to really capture everything happening in her mind and body.
Installation
Hannah’s newest installation launches at London’s tourist attraction, The Outernet, on Wednesday 21st August. This is the first of its kind – a physical AND digital installation, free to visit, in the heart of the city. The digital art piece is a four-stage story of mental breakdown and healing, told through Hannah’s personal and experiential Synaesthetic lens.
Embark on an immersive journey through Hannah’s digital art piece, beginning with one of her paintings that transforms into a tunnel, drawing you into its vibrant depths. As you progress, a dynamic spectrum of hues from her Focus Collection pulls you into her artistic vision.
The journey continues in a vast white room symbolising her studio and mind, where multiple screens explode symbolising when her brain experienced a profound shift.
The third stage of the show is the rebuilding of Hannah’s brain cells following this neurological wobble, symbolising her journey towards heightened sensitivity and synaesthesia, her extraordinary superpower. This regeneration unveils her heightened awareness and enriched perception of the world. As the cubed dome completes Hannah describes that the viewer is now standing inside of her brain.
In the climactic final stage, the digital space erupts with thousands of vibrant, cubed balloons, each representing a fragment of Hannah’s creativity. These balloons dance in a kaleidoscope of colors, filling the room with boundless energy.
Composition
The musical composition featuring high tempo and frequency violins accompanies this show, the music has been composed to initiate Hannah’s synaesthetic experiences.
“As a contemporary abstract artist, I have noticed a disconnect between physical and digital art during exhibitions: says Hannah. “This inspired my upcoming show at Outernet, known for its impressive 25-meter digital screens. My goal is to bridge these two worlds for a more immersive experience.”
At the heart of the show is a striking 5m x 5m mirrored cube, which serves as a tangible bridge between digital and physical art. This installation enhances the interplay between digital visuals and real-world elements, creating a dynamic and interactive environment.
The mirrored cube is central to a real-time stunt that embodies the show’s essence. As digital cubed balloons descend on Outernet’s screens, identical physical balloons launch from the cube, synchronising the digital and physical worlds.
Squares Cubed runs into 2025.
See also: Art Explora Stops Off in Tangier
