Hana Tischler – The newest artist at Runway Gallery

Naomi Campbell and Edward Enninful already admire Hana – it’s time you discover her too

It’s time to take note of Hana Tischler – the Croatian-born, Lisbon-based artist whose stylish brush strokes have already allured supermodels and international publications: from British Vogue and Vogue Arabia to Elle Croatia. Hana is most particularly adored for her striking tones that famously contrast light and shadow to create portraits of influential female figures – cue Naomi Campbell. 

In the wake of her recent signing with Runway Gallery, Hana invited Magazine into her pastel-kissed world and revealed more about the woman behind her golden-glazed pieces.

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Naomi by Hana Tischler

Hannah, let’s start at the very beginning. Tell us, when you start a new series, where do you begin, and what does the creative process usually involve?

After finding the perfect reference photograph, it takes me less than a second until I have the complete image of what the painting will look like in my head. I know the exact dimensions that I want to go with, and from there, my creative process begins. 

Big paintings are always a challenge, but seeing that big piece of blank white canvas on my studio wall is always one of the most exciting feelings. Good music creates good energy and a good mood in my creative space, and with that, everything just flows.

So, how has your artistic technique developed throughout your career?

I am still true to acrylic paints and graphic brushstrokes that define my personal style and still use women as my main subject. I’ve probably developed a more recognisable style throughout the years with the colours I use – earthy and pastel shades that I find so soothing and eye-pleasing. The game of light and shadow is becoming even more intense.

Describe your work in no more than four words.

Powerful, sexy, dynamic, and aesthetic.

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Sun Kissed by Hana Tischler

The main themes of my work are femininity and diversity, or as I would say – the diversity of femininity. By that, I mostly mean portraying women of colour because the real beauty is in our differences.

It would definitely be Duma Arantes since there are certain similarities in our work, such as the subject. However, our style is completely different, so it would be a very interesting collaboration.

Name three artists to which you would like to be compared.

I think one would be enough, and that is Lucian Freud. He is one of my first and probably biggest influences.

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Venera by Hana Tischler

If you had to pinpoint a defining moment in your career, what would it be?

When British Vogue and Naomi Campbell published my artwork on their Instagram – it was a huge kick in my career.

Tell us about any memorable responses that have you had to your work.

It makes me so proud and happy to see my works hanging in the homes of so many amazing black women. Many of them have messaged me and said how much they appreciate my paintings and how it makes them feel good about themselves. It’s definitely one of the best responses I can have.

Where in the world do you feel the most creative? What is it about that place that makes you feel that way?

Many places inspire me, but they don’t necessarily give me the urge to create. Life in Portugal has made me very creative since it gave me a lot of time to focus on myself and what I want in life. 

I organised a wonderful little studio space in my home where the creative energy just keeps flowing, and all I need is my desk and a big white wall for the magic to happen. My studio is my happy place.

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African Woman 2 by Hana Tischler

Which piece of art has left the most significant impact on you, and why?

Lucian Freud’s nudes have always left me jaw-dropped. The brush strokes, the impasto, the powerful images – I definitely owe my graphic brush strokes to him.

Do you have a particular record that gets you in the right mood for working? If so, what is it?

Music hasn’t always played an important role in my creative process, and lots of my works were painted in complete silence, but lately, I can’t imagine painting without music. 

Thievery Corporation would be one of my first choices since their music makes me relaxed and focused. Tame Impala is my choice when I feel super happy and am in the mood for a more active and playful painting session that includes dancing and singing. However, I often play random lounge or lo-fi playlists that don’t distract me at all.

Which one of your pieces makes you the proudest?

The works from the Decolletage series are probably the pieces I’m most proud of.

Photo credit: Hana Tischler

How do you usually celebrate when you finish a challenging piece or series?

Finishing a challenging piece is a celebration itself. I usually gift myself a beautiful evening or a day off at the beach.

What’s next in the world of Hana Tischler? Can you reveal any plans for the future?

I have many exciting plans, but one of them is to launch another T-shirt brand which would, of course, be related to my paintings. It’s still at the very beginning stage, but hopefully, we will all see it come to life soon.

You can shop for Hana Tischler’s works on Runway Gallery here and keep up with her latest ventures on her Instagram @hana_corr.