Asia Hanon

Asia Hanon is a graphite artist based in North Carolina, specializing in portraiture. Asia’s journey as an artist began when she won the Adam's Billboard Award in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards during her senior year of high school. Initially influenced by the realism movement, Asia discovered her talent for capturing human expression. This experience ignited her passion to pursue a career in the arts. Asia is currently studying Painting at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she is earning her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts. During her time there, she received the Lucy Brown Winfree Purchase Award in the 35th Annual McNeese National Works on Paper Exhibition. Her work has also been exhibited at the Museum of Science and Industry in the 2023 Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition.

Artist Statement:

My work uses drawing processes to explore ideas of Black identity, self-identity, and African spirituality. My work consists mostly of figurative-style portraits, sometimes combining abstraction. I am deeply inspired by and interested in spirituality and the idea that in some way, shape, or form, we all have a connection to the spiritual realm—more importantly, our ancestors. I believe that our connection to our ancestors plays an important role in how we identify ourselves. Through the symbol of the circle, I explore my identity and my connection with my ancestors. The circle represents inner power, personal freedom, and strength. It serves as an homage to recognizing my inner power, and more importantly, acknowledging that power through the guidance of my ancestors. The circle is not only a reconnection point between me and my ancestors, but it also represents the part of myself that awakens when I fully understand who I am and where I come from. It is the internal power that emerges when the thirst for ancestral knowledge and healing is quenched, enabling one to walk with purpose, a sense of identity, and authenticity.

Website: www.asiahanonartworks.com
Instagram: @asia_hanon_art