Mixed media artist, Gherdai Hassell, sees her art as a form of communication – a way to move people to action. “I usually create pieces that have deeper meanings and are controversial,” she shared with PinkSand Entertainment . “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.”
Her paintings and collages are striking if nothing else. Revolved around the eyes, her subjects seem to gaze intensely at the viewer – a gaze which might result in a feeling of uneasiness. Typically embracing the black figure, her works explore ideas about representation, perception, and identity creation.
But according to Hassel: “the work is beyond me, I can’t claim myself as the source for it. I’m just the vessel.” Based in China, Hassell received her BS from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2013. Forever inspired by the world around her, she has showcased her work in Bermuda and China.
“It’s an honor for me to create this work,” she writes on her website. “I’m doing what I’ve been called to, and for that, I’m grateful.” Take a look at some of her artwork below:
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The emerging artist opening was everything I could have wanted. Just like a page out of my dream book. Magical, humbling and filled with love and support. The day of the art opening at @bsoa.bm I was driving to the airport to pick up my line sister, i cried. Like uncontrollably. That ugly cry. And I couldn’t stop. Tears welled in my eyes and poured out like faucets. All I could think about was my journey to getting there and all that I gave up and sacrificed to pursue my dream. All the late nights. All the broke days. All the doubt and fear. And the time by my lonesome. This art showing coming to fruition was a dream I’ve dreamt up for a long time. Whilst making this work, I was by myself. But I showed up everyday, Despite feeling lonely. I turned my loneliness into solitude and got to work. The art opening was the first time I’ve shared a space with my artwork and other people. It was nerve wrecking and exciting at the same time. It was important for me to have my first art show, at home, in Bermuda, where it all began. It felt right being at home and sharing there work with my people. The outpouring of love and support I received was truly overwhelming. Everyone who came and showed love, was a part of this manifestation. You made the night what it was for me. Congratulations to @iamshannahollis on the opening and all the other participating artists. Thank you x 1000000❤️ to the collector who purchased my work, everyone who made this night possible, @nzingha, @gavinsmith, my daddy, my mom, family, friends, line sisters and all those who came out to support. this is just the beginning. I am humbled to my core. with a grateful heart, Gherdai
A post shared by Gherdai Hassell (@hassell_free) on Aug 12, 2019 at 3:31pm PDT
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Alibii: “China” , mixed media on paper. . . . A new skin Sometimes I think about the things I have left behind Discarded, and shredded from my life Like dead skin Peeled from the surface Of my back With my turned back I let them fall from me Like former tears that fell from my moistened eyes Pieces they are Of old scars Old failures Old ghosts of the past They no longer haunt the darkest parts of my being They have be released And freed me to the world With new hopes Desires Beliefs I am anew A new birth With new skin to bear . . . 3 years ago, I landed in China. To find I had no bags, trying to communicate with the ground staff for hours and ended up missing my connecting flight, was unable to contact the party who was picking me up and was given a hotel room to sleep in because I had been traveling for for 24 hours. I was exhausted, mentally and physically. I sat on the floor and balled my eyes out wondering if I had made the decision to move here too hastily. Today I landed in China, only to be faced with other unforeseen , difficult and frustrating circumstances that led me to the same response of balling my eyes out. Being out here alone is TOUGH, it’s singlehandedly the hardest thing I’ve ever done. After crying for about 30 mins, I stood with my head held high and got myself together. I had to remind myself of who I am and what I’ve had to fight through to get here. All I’ve accomplished, all I’ve given up, all I’ve conquered to get me to this place. I have no doubt that just like I cried uncontrollably through round 1 and got through it, I can do round 2 and push through too. I’m sharing this because sometimes the climb looks like a straight path from the outside looking in. But it’s hard as fuck. It’s not smooth sailing. It takes a lot of guts to push through even when you want to give up. This is a public reminder to myself to lift my head and eyes, and keep my eyes on the prize. Thank you to everyone who has messaged me over the past two days of my travels to wish me well. I’ve been going Through a hell of a lot and you have no idea what your words have meant to me while I’m starting this new journey alone. Peace and blessings. Xo
A post shared by Gherdai Hassell (@hassell_free) on Sep 1, 2019 at 10:40am PDT
