Analog collage
Paper on paper
14” x 11”
starlight, star bright (2023)
Starlight, Star Bright is a meditation on visibility, autonomy, and the cyclical nature of time and identity. In this surreal landscape, four images of two topless women (each appearing twice) occupy the foreground, while a figure behind the mountains gazes upward, her eyes tracing the phases of the moon. This celestial progression underscores themes of transformation and renewal, reflecting the shifting perceptions of self and society.
Hannah’s deliberate use of nude figures, sourced from vintage Playboy magazines, challenges the publication’s problematic legacy under Hugh Hefner. Rather than presenting these women as objects of the male gaze, Hannah reframes them as empowered subjects, reclaiming their autonomy and presence. The repetition of their images creates a rhythm that mirrors the lunar cycle, emphasizing the enduring strength and resilience of women throughout time.
The barren, rocky terrain contrasts with the ethereal beauty of the night sky, highlighting the tension between the harsh realities of objectification and the sublime pursuit of self-empowerment. Starlight, Star Bright invites viewers to confront their own perceptions of femininity, freedom, and the silent strength found in moments of stillness and reflection.