Hanna Rose is a passionate and talented Australian artist known for her vibrant abstract paintings and deep commitment to social justice. Residing in Armadale, Victoria, she has made a significant impact on the contemporary art scene since returning to her creative endeavors in 2012 after a hiatus.
Born in regional Victoria, Hanna developed an affinity for art and design from a young age. She pursued her formal education in the arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from RMIT, where she focused on ceramics, graduating in 2000. Following this, she enhanced her professional skills with a Graduate Diploma in Business Marketing, also from RMIT, completing it in 2002. This combination of artistic and business education has played a crucial role in her career as a full-time artist.
Before fully immersing herself in her art, Hanna worked as a studio/gallery manager and assistant to Jessie Breakwell in 2022. From 2014 to 2014, she served as the director of Cherokee Rose Stud, a thoroughbred horse breeding business, reflecting her diverse interests and capabilities beyond the canvas.
Reflecting on her artistic process, Hanna shares, “When I start a new piece I plan a colour palette that is often either warm or cool tones. I start with a very loose composition and base. I build the layers with spontaneity and as I do, the painting evolves and can sometimes be nothing like initially intended. Often there can be 2 or 3 other versions underneath the final iteration.”
Hanna took a significant break from her artistic pursuits after the birth of her son in 2014, during which she focused on family life. In recommitting to her art, she found renewed freedom in expressing herself through abstract painting. She emphasizes, “I always try to tap into my childhood artistic experiences that were void of inhibition, and paint with a sense of authenticity and freedom. In turn I hope my paintings help the viewer to tap into their own inner child with acceptance and love.”
Hanna has showcased her work extensively across various galleries and exhibitions, gaining recognition in recent years. Below are some notable highlights from her exhibition history: Compendium Gallery Winter Group Show (2025), Kennedy Art Prize Finalist (2024), Whitewall Art Prize Winner (2023), National Emerging Art Prize NEAP Finalist (2023), Jumbled Online, Color Bomb Dual Exhibition with Jessie Breakwell (2020).
She has participated in numerous group exhibitions showcasing emerging talent and also highlights her consistent presence in competitions, evident by her finalist status in multiple art prizes.
Describing her creative process, she explains, “I start off by selecting a tonal palette – warm or cool, dark or light. However this can deviate and due to the nature of my process, can change many times. My process is intuitive and spontaneous, and as such, I am guided by what the painting shows me at any given time. Sometimes I might see an unplanned colour combination and decide to create the painting based around that feature. Other times, it can be experimental, but ultimately my painting experience is always about a visceral connection between my act of painting and the paint itself.”
Hanna’s art is described as a natural extension of her personality, characterized by expressive use of color and abstraction. Her creativity is influenced not only by her artistic training but also by her life experiences, showcasing her connection to various forms of creativity, including fashion, interior design, and gardening. This multifaceted approach allows her to infuse depth into her paintings, making them resonate on both aesthetic and emotional levels.
Aside from her artistic endeavors, Hanna is a passionate advocate for social justice, particularly regarding health issues. She collaborated with medical professionals and health communication companies to secure access to vital medications for children with rare genetic conditions. This work not only reflects her commitment to her community but also underscores the personal stakes involved, as it relates directly to her family. This advocacy will soon be featured in a documentary set to air on the Discovery Channel in 2025.
Hanna continues to evolve as an artist, balancing her roles as a mother, wife, and creative force. With select works available at galleries such as A.K. Bellinger Gallery in NSW and Michael Reid Northern Beaches in Sydney, she invites art lovers to connect with her journey through her vibrant paintings. Her website, hannarose.com.au, offers more insights into her art and exhibitions.
Hanna Rose exemplifies the spirit of contemporary Australian art, intertwining creativity with advocacy. Her journey reflects not only her growth as an artist but also her commitment to contributing positively to her community. We look forward to seeing her future works and the continuing evolution of her artistic expression.
Photo credits: The photograph is from the artist’s archive
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