My paintings are acrylic on canvas unless otherwise specified.
Insights into some of the thematic content:
«Birds of paradise» Acrylic on canvas, 110cm x 110cm
This interpretation of the painting is one possible perspective that does not necessarily represent the definitive answer; however, it offers valuable insights into the thematic content.
Hanne Væringsaasen’s acrylic painting is a sophisticated and symbol-rich composition that explores deep emotional and psychological themes through a rich visual narrative. In the foreground of the painting, we see two birds of paradise with vibrant and colorful plumage, symbolizing exotic beauty and freedom. These birds stand beside a woman who is reaching out her hands to gather or harvest the abstract pink strips hanging down from the arches above her. These strips might represent the various threads of life, memories, or emotional experiences.
The woman’s action takes place over a body of water filled with koi fish and water lilies, elements that often symbolize strength, perseverance, and transformation. These elements contribute to an atmosphere of tranquility and introspection. Behind her, a light that could be a reflective moon adds a mystical and dreamy quality to the scene. The moon’s light can symbolize enlightenment, introspection, and the hidden aspects of the human psyche.
To the right of the composition, we find a man wearing a soldier’s helmet, moving from the outer to the inner room. He is protecting a bird within his jacket, suggesting a dual role as both warrior and protector. This figure represents a complex duality between aggression and care, and his inward movement can be interpreted as a quest for reconciliation or inner peace.
The background of the painting consists of geometric patterns with repetitive arches and lines, adding a modern and abstract dimension to the work. These patterns contrast with the more natural and organic forms in the foreground, highlighting the tension between the artificial and the natural, and between outer conflict and inner harmony.
The color palette is intense and dynamic, dominated by shades of green, blue, and orange, giving the painting a lively and expressive character. The strong colors enhance the emotional resonances in the work and draw the viewer’s attention to the central themes.
Through this complex composition, Væringsaasen explores deep themes such as harmony and disharmony, war and protection, and the human relationship with nature and oneself. The painting’s richness in detail and symbolic layers offers the viewer ample opportunities for interpretation and reflection, inviting a deeper understanding of the complex emotional and psychological states represented in the artwork.
«Ray of light» Acrylic on canvas, 150cm x 120cm
This interpretation of the painting is one possible perspective that does not necessarily represent the definitive answer; however, it offers valuable insights into the thematic content.
Hanne Væringsaasen’s acrylic painting combines figurative and abstract elements to explore complex themes such as war, hope, and the resilience of nature.
In the background, we see silhouettes of soldiers painted in muted green tones. This can symbolize war, conflict, or military presence, giving the painting a serious and perhaps somber undertone. These soldiers appear ghostly, reminiscent of past memories or as an ongoing threat in the background of our lives. The foreground is dominated by a woman in a dress decorated with daisies who extends a beam of light, symbolizing hope and protection. Her action can be interpreted as an act of hope or healing, an attempt to bring light into the darkness. Her dress, adorned with flowers, may symbolize nature’s beauty and the cycle of life.
These elements can be seen as a reflection of humanity’s duality—the ability to create both destruction and beauty. The flowers are large and dominant in the painting, representing the power and beauty of nature. The bird may symbolize freedom, beauty, or the fragility of nature, while the face mask on the branch serves as a symbol of the pandemic, which has impacted the entire world and our perception of normality. This element makes the painting particularly relevant to our time, bringing it into a modern context and reminding the viewer of the global events that have shaped recent times.
The use of light and color is significant in this work. The brushstrokes are subtle, imparting a sense of movement and life. The use of light and shadow is masterful, adding depth and dimension to the piece. There is a contrast between the dark, almost dystopian tones of the background and the bright, vibrant colors of the foreground. The beam of light streaming in from the upper right corner symbolizes hope and enlightenment. The floating flower seeds can be interpreted as nature’s resilience against the soldiers’ destructive bullets. The red poppy indirectly refers to the tradition of remembering soldiers from World War I, adding a historical dimension. Flowers and birds can represent nature’s endurance and ability to survive despite human conflicts and disasters. This can also be seen as a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment.
This artwork invites reflection on contemporary challenges and timeless themes. Each viewer can find their own meanings and emotions in the various symbols and elements present. It is a piece that touches on both contemporary issues and timeless themes such as war, hope, and the resilience of nature.