Passage, 2022

On Hansen   New & remarkable Artists

Oil wax, acrylic, graphite, organic ink, and crayon on Awagami paper.

 On Hansen originally from Scandinavia is the pseudonym used by the photographer Cristian Hunter, a third-generation artist who has spent most of his professional career as a photographer. His work bears the traces of lived experiences, exploring the possibilities of formal abstraction, and seeking an organic experience between space and time through painting and photography. “There is no longer a single idea explaining everything, but an infinite number of essences giving meaning to an infinite number of objects. The world comes to a stop, but also lights up.” ― Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays

This artwork is a striking exploration of abstract expressionism, featuring a monochromatic palette dominated by earthy browns and beiges. The composition centers on an intriguing organic form, seemingly created by the natural flow and pooling of the pigment. Vertical drips suggest gravity's influence, drawing the eye to the top edge where the movement originates. The textures are rich and varied, with areas of transparency allowing glimpses of the underlying paper, enhancing the depth and complexity. The staining technique evokes a sense of age and decay, imbuing the piece with a raw, visceral quality. Its unrefined edges and spontaneous appearance capture a moment of fluid transformation, inviting contemplative reflection on nature's unyielding passage. The work's minimalist approach and use of negative space further emphasize the central form, creating a hauntingly beautiful, almost primordial image.