From beginnings as a children’s face painter, hairdresser and make-up artist, the work of Adelaide-based Emma Hack has evolved to encompass full-body artworks incorporating many different textures, techniques and materials.
Emma’s most striking pieces feature nude models who meld into their backgrounds with their intricately painted bodies.
“I initially loved the female form due to my make-up background and fashion influences,” Emma says.
“I love to see it decorated organically with paint. Although the blends are difficult at the time, the results still amaze me – the flow over the body looks gorgeous!”
Hack’s work continues to amaze her loyal Australian audience too – an audience that, 21 years ago, was a little bit more difficult to convince.
“Honestly, I thought I was the only one doing it,” says Emma of the early days of her work.
“When I started, people laughed and told me I would never make a career of it. About 6 months after I started, the Demi Moore [Vanity Fair] cover with her painted in a suit was released, and I realised there were others doing it and knew it was the path I would strive to follow.”
Emma’s next collection will launch in May at ART Melbourne 2011, as well as her first book Wallpaper Collection, a limited-edition compendium of her entire ‘wallpaper’ series, including her much-admired work with rare Florence Broadhurst prints.
Emma Hack
emmahackartist.com