Amina Al-Hassan (born in 1981 in Accra, Ghana) is a self-taught contemporary abstract artist who works and lives in Budapest, Hungary. She likes to experiment with new ways of expression and techniques, her paintings draw from the experiences and impressions of her own life. Her intuitive works contain many layers and different textures, each painting reflects a specific personal moment.
Since when do you paint and what are your favorite motives?
I've been painting for about 7 years now but art has always played an important role in my life, it was always a big dream to do something creative and become an artist. I loved the drawing classes, the art history faculties, but life took me in a completely different direction.
After the birth of my son, the desire to create only got stronger! I need to be able to create something with my two hands and make my life and others more beautiful!
When you create a new work, how do you proceed? What comes first?
My process is quite messy at the beginning as i paint intiutively and spontaneously , making big gestural marks first, many layers with acrylic paint which represents the layers of our personality, our life stages, which many people cover up and only allow a very small detail to be seen. I love to add texture to my paintings at the middle stage of the process, I use paper for that and cover up the whole painting with one or two colors mainly and finishing with oil paint and oil sticks at the very end.
My work is very spontaneous nothing is planned in advance except main colors or the size of the collection. I absorb what I see what I feel let it flow over my soul and guide my hands.
From what do you get your motivation?
In my creative process, motivation and inspiration are intertwined, it comes from everyday moments, feelings, nature, light patterns, and my Ghanaian-Hungarian heritage.
In my latest works, it stems from the idea of how to show the many layers and feelings that many people hide or are afraid to show.
Your life without art would be...
Unbalanced... with art I'm complete!
What's the best art venue in your city right now?
I live in Budapest suburb but still in the capital of Hungary with many galleries in the downtown. I feel lucky that I have the opportunity to visit so many exhibitions and art fairs like ART Market Budapest my fav. We will have soon Art & Antique Budapest exhibition and art fair with many galleries represented. Also our National Gallery and Museum of Fine Arts have been home to many special collections , most recently Renoir.I feel lucky to have so much opportunity to absorbe art.
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