Hannah Yason’s art is a profound reflection of her personal journey toward spiritual healing and self-discovery. Her creative process is a deeply intuitive response to the inner visions that emerge from her inner world, which she honors and releases through her work. By prioritizing bodily responses over intellectualizing, Yason avoids overthinking and allows her artistic expression to flow naturally from her inner self.
Originally trained in Fine Art at The University of Reading, UK (BA Hons, 2002), Yason’s practice shifted over time from figurative work to abstract, as she sought to express her evolving understanding of her inner and outer realities. In 2003, during a residency in Paris, she began limiting her artistic parameters, choosing to work with a single, consistent canvas size and a more restrained color palette. This restriction helped her focus more deeply on the creative process itself, allowing her to immerse herself in subtle nuances and explorations within a defined space.
Music plays a crucial role in Yason's practice, helping her move beyond the intellect into a state of flow, where her creative process is akin to a form of movement meditation. Activities like swimming, walking, yoga, and meditation are essential to her creative practice, grounding her in a state of presence and calm. This approach to art-making was further solidified when she trained in Shambhala Art in 2014, which affirmed her belief that meditation is the foundation for true creative expression.
Her work, which embraces simplicity, plays with the delicate possibilities that emerge when she allows herself to fully engage with the process without external pressure. Through this refined approach, Yason’s art becomes a peaceful and nourishing experience for both her and the viewer, inviting contemplation and offering a space for reflection. Her art is not just an expression of her own journey but an invitation to others to explore their own inner landscapes.
Originally from the UK, Hannah Yason has made Cape Town her home for the past 10 years. During her time in South Africa, she has participated in numerous group exhibitions, showcasing her evolving artistic journey. In 2022, she held her first solo exhibition at The Gallery Grande Provence, a significant milestone in her career. Her work has gained international recognition, with pieces held in private collections across South Africa, France, Germany, America, and the UK.