Interview with Hannah Kay

Interview with Hannah Kay

By Joshua Y'Barbo

Hannah Kay is a multidisciplinary Contemporary Artist who specialises in mixed media textiles, sculpture and installation. Creating ‘situations’ and environments in which the audience can encounter and respond to through the visual and suggested movement of the work creates movement in the viewer. You can learn more about Hannah's work on her website and follow her on Instagram. 



Joshua Y'Barbo (JY): Tell me about your practice: What do you make work about? How to you go about making your work? What do you think about when making your work? Do you still make work?

Hannah Kay (HK): I am a multidisciplinary textiles artist specialising in sculpture and installation. My works are focused on play, the haptic and consciousness. Through exploring textiles traditions and modern-day living, I create situations and opportunities for the audience to engage, create memories and feel a sense of authority over the works. 

My thoughts stem from a place of joy, curiosity, self-expression and community. Many of my works require multiple audience members to converse and work collectively to finalise the interactive sculptures. My thoughts are centred on experience and environment. 

Yes, I still actively make work in my current shared studio space.

JY: How was studying and finishing your degree? What had the most impact on the work you made and make now?

HK: I am currently in the final few weeks of my MAFA, and it has been an incredible journey. With access to so many amazing workshops, technicians, tutors and fellow students, I have had a very full and progressive MA. I think the biggest impact has been from living in London and being submersed in a full-time working making lifestyle. My works have greatly benefited from the amount of shows we had and being able to see the audience's engagement.

JY: Based on your experiences, do you have any problem-solving advice for other artists & designers?

HK: My experience has taught me to listen to my body and understand when I need a break or when I need new inspiration.

JY: What are your immediate concerns or interests, both personally and professionally?

HK: My professional and personal life very much interject and co-exist. My main concerns stem from a lack of diversity within the white cube gallery experience and the boundaries and borders set in place. My interest is to create a larger sense of community within the art world and provide a heightened state to the viewers and their personal emotions and memories.

JY: Do you have any questions for me, other artists, or anyone further afield?

HK: Why do you view art? What are you searching for through art?

JY: I see art as a way to make sense of the world around me while also delivering social impact in key areas of sustainable development. 


Untitled (2023) Wood, plaster, rope, spray paint, sand


To Me To You (2023) 3D Printed & Humps (2023) Glazed ceramics


Untitled (2023) Plaster, rope, spray paint



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