Ottawa based artist Hannah Sekerka has been developing her abstract painting skills since 2017. Sekerka takes inspiration from emotions, states of mind, and mental illness and conveys these through her work. In 2020 Sekerka exhibited a solo show, The Inkblot Series, at the Frizi Gallery at the GCTC. Sekerka completed her studies at the Fine Arts Diploma Program at the Ottawa School of Art in 2020 and has participated in many shows associated with the school, including the Big Exhibition at Gallery 200, and the 140th Celebration Show at Ottawa School of Art Orleans. She was the 2018 recipient of the Fritz Allgoewer Memorial Scholarship. Sekerka has had mentorships with notable artists such as Angelina McCormick, Gillian King, and Kenneth Emig who have helped her explore and develop the techniques present in her work to this day.

Ottawa based artist Hannah Sekerka has been developing her abstract painting skills since 2017. Sekerka takes inspiration from emotions, states of mind, and mental illness and conveys these through her work. In 2020 Sekerka exhibited a solo show, The Inkblot Series, at the Frizi Gallery at the GCTC. Sekerka completed her studies at the Fine Arts Diploma Program at the Ottawa School of Art in 2020 and has participated in many shows associated with the school, including the Big Exhibition at Gallery 200, and the 140th Celebration Show at Ottawa School of Art Orleans. She was the 2018 recipient of the Fritz Allgoewer Memorial Scholarship. Sekerka has had mentorships with notable artists such as Angelina McCormick, Gillian King, and Kenneth Emig who have helped her explore and develop the techniques present in her work to this day.

My current work explores the structure of the human brain, with references to brain scans and also the use of inkblots in psychological evaluations. Inspired by mental health and the current rise in conversation surrounding these only recently heavy topics. I have chosen to depict the “culprit” of all psychological issues: the brain. My work mimics neurons and matter in the brain using the masses of colour and intricate lines that crisscross across one another. I create work that juxtaposes the simple with the complex by using limited colours and large negative space against the intricate layers and shapes of my medium application. Using thread and rust I create an additional layer to the washes of paint, creating an ‘unknown object’ amongst the brain and inkblot-like shapes. The ‘unknown object’ can be seen as a type of ‘block’ in the brain.

My current work explores the structure of the human brain, with references to brain scans and also the use of inkblots in psychological evaluations. Inspired by mental health and the current rise in conversation surrounding these only recently heavy topics. I have chosen to depict the “culprit” of all psychological issues: the brain. My work mimics neurons and matter in the brain using the masses of colour and intricate lines that crisscross across one another. I create work that juxtaposes the simple with the complex by using limited colours and large negative space against the intricate layers and shapes of my medium application. Using thread and rust I create an additional layer to the washes of paint, creating an ‘unknown object’ amongst the brain and inkblot-like shapes. The ‘unknown object’ can be seen as a type of ‘block’ in the brain.