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Character Reflection: How an encounter on a train inspired a portrait

Hannah talks about how an incident on a train changed her life.

Hannah Nijsten is a visionary artist who blends abstract forms with striking portraiture, creating unique fusion of styles that captivates the viewer.

Her work is deeply influenced by her experience of synaesthesia, a neurological condition that allows her to perceive sound as visual stimuli.

Hannah talks to Gordon Smart about how an incident she encountered on a train gave her a different outlook on life.

Sensing her distress, a woman called Amarachi on the same train struck up a conversation with Hannah, which inspired Hannah further.

She said: 鈥淭hat message she gave me, over the years, if I saw kids getting bullied in the street I would go and give that same pep talk she gave me, to these kids.鈥

Shortly after the incident, Hannah was inspired to paint a portrait of Amarachi, which Hannah called 鈥楥haracter reflection.鈥

鈥淭he piece I painted, 'character reflection,' is a painting of her, it's her face on the side and then staring at her is a man's face and basically it's all about her soft interior, but very strong exterior.鈥

This clip is originally from 5 Live Gordon Smart on Tuesday 17th September 2024.

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Duration:

2 minutes

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