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Cryptic Winterstorms, 2007The characters in my most recent paintings are often hybrids between humans and animals. The animal heads work as masks when placed on a human body. Throughout history, everyday life has been linked to the spirit-world with the help of masks. I place masks, typical for contemporary popular culture as seen in the worlds of metal and goth, in the framework of today's social rituals and role-playing.
Stargazer, 2007
And Love Said No, 2008 I've also been using imagery usually found in tattooing, on decorative and symbolic levels. Tattoos are associated with multiple meanings and associations, ranging from mere vanity to deeper levels, such as spirituality and cultural semantics. Tattoos have been used on inflictive purposes but also as auspicious symbols, like talismans against evil.
Heaven Tonight, 2006 I find painting the most interesting and challenging way to bring out ideas. When working with installations I mostly conceive space as an empty canvas. For example my installation Heaven Tonight is based on 80s fantasy posters, where dolphins are jumping and swimming in nocturnal seas. When I had the idea to transform a flat poster to three-dimensional form, I thought about composition same way as I think when I paint.HANALEENA HEISKAHannaleena Heiska's next exhibitions will be in Norway, at Moss, Momentum 2009, the 5th Nordic Biennial of Contemporary Art, in August.
