Analog collage
Paper on paper
11.5” x 8.75”
canary in a cage (2024)
Canary in a Cage reflects on themes of confinement, identity, and silent resistance. An elegantly dressed woman stands poised, her face replaced by a vibrant swirl of brightly colored illusion paper, immediately commanding attention. Perched delicately upon this kaleidoscopic façade is a canary, a symbol of both beauty and entrapment, echoing the historical use of canaries as silent sentinels in dangerous spaces.
A second canary peers out from behind the woman, keeping vigilant guard, reinforcing the sense of watchfulness and unease. A crystalline growth emerges from her head, symbolizing the tension between societal constraints and inner strength. The parasol she holds, traditionally a symbol of protection, becomes an extension of her poised yet burdened existence. Hannah’s deliberate use of illusion paper emphasizes the importance of looking deeper, challenging viewers to see beyond the surface and confront the unseen pressures that shape identity.
Canary in a Cage invites contemplation of the roles imposed on women and the quiet resilience they exhibit in the face of societal expectations. It is a visual narrative of beauty within captivity and strength within stillness.