HANNAH EPSTEIN

Artist Hannah Epstein (AKA Hanski) builds a contemporary mythology in real-time through her rug hooked works of art.  

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Raised lower-middle class in Nova Scotia by three generations of Latvian matriarchs, Epstein was embedded in a culture known for its folk aesthetics, dynamic storytelling, and unique sense of humour.

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Referring to herself as ‘Neofolk’, Epstein combines, what may be considered ‘low brow’ culture and techniques, with contemporary digital imagery informed by television, Internet 1.0, comics, memes, video games, pop culture and world events.

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With her wall-hung textiles, Epstein reorients the medium’s expected position (traditionally belonging on the floor) and illustrates imaginary hybrid creatures, fantasies of digital worlds, and brings icons of counterculture to life.

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The artist’s expansive practice includes digital works in video games, algorithm-based projects, AI, animation, installation, and arguably the first YouTube video game made with hyperlinks.

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Epstein has exhibited widely in solo or group shows including at Toronto’s MoCA, Arsenal Contemporary, Textile Museum of Canada, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, Diametrale Film Festival in Austria, Long Beach Museum of Art, San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, and Vector Festival (Toronto).

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Epstein studied Folklore & Religious Studies at Memorial University (Newfoundland), the Canadian Film Centre and at Carnegie Mellon University for her MFA. Notably Epstein was awarded the Melissa Levin Emerging Artist Award from Textile Museum of Canada, 2017 and was long listed for the Sobey Art Award in 2022.