Gherdai Hassell’s paintings and collages are something altogether unique. As a painter, she works primarily in oil paint. But she also practices mixed media, with her captivating collages focusing mainly on her subjects’ gaze. Currently living and working in China, Hassell received her BS from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2013, and has showcased her work in Bermuda and China.
A creative at heart, her paintings typically embrace the black figure, with her works exploring ideas about representation, perception, identity creation, and childhood themes. “I have loved art since I was a child,” she shared with PinkSand Entertainment. “I’ve always had a creative mind and wanted to build or create or bring to life those images in my head.”
According to Hassell, her artistic talent is innate and doesn’t rely on her formal education. “The work is beyond me, I can’t claim myself as the source for it. I’m just the vessel,” she writes on her website. “It’s an honor for me to create this work. I’m doing what I’ve been called to, and for that, I’m grateful.”
“My art is inspired by the world around me,” she says. “I usually create pieces that have deeper meanings and are controversial. I once saw a quote that read, ‘if it doesn’t disturb you, it’s not art’. I whole heartedly believe this, art is supposed to move people, invoke feeling, if it doesn’t do this, it’s not a great piece of work. I want my art to inspire, excite, motivate, move, promote question of the status quo and push conversion of controversial topics.”
Check out some of her inspiring creations in the gallery below.
