EMMA HACK is an Adelaide-based, Australian artist working in the unique medium of body paint installation and photography. Exhibiting extensively throughout Australia since 1999, Emma’s astounding artworks have since captured the attention of collectors and art lovers worldwide. Emma has received great acclaim for her refined body paint camouflage technique; through a combination of painting on canvas, body painting and studio-based photography, her work evokes a rich array of visual narrative and magical realism.
Best known for her Wallpaper series (2005-2010) – in which she painstakingly camouflaged the human form by hand painting her models into the remarkable designs of the late Florence Broadhurst. 2013 saw the release of ‘Florence’s Archive’, a collection created by Broadhurst of never-seen designs since her passing in the late 70’s. Emma was able to choose colour-ways and oversee production of these exclusive wallpapers. The result is a collection of beautifully float-mounted, low edition, highly collectable works.
Emma’s diverse artwork collections draw inspiration from the unique Australian flora and fauna, as well as Oriental influences. Her highly sought after ‘Native Mandala, ‘Birds of a Feather’, ‘Utopia’ and ‘Birds of Prey’ collections feature native animals and live birds resting on the models arm or hands, connecting her muse to the environment and enhancing the illusion of her body art. Emma’s travels abroad inspire her collections, drawing from the symbolism of other cultures and the decorative arts, Emma interprets treasures around the world in her form of illusion, ‘Blue & White’ and ‘Treasured Tiles’ explore these motifs.
Emma’s collaboration with Grammy award winning musician Gotye resulted in the iconic, award winning music video for Somebody That I Used to Know, which has been viewed on YouTube by over 900 million people worldwide, raising her profile in the US, UK and Europe. Emma has since worked on major artistic commissions for Motor Accident Commission, South Australia, where she built a sculpture of 17 bodies, painted as a crashed car, again drawing worldwide attention to her craft. Emma’s commission for WA Ballet utilised the form of 21 Ballet dancers to create their 2014 program imagery. Emma’s commission and curated space for celebrity chef, Nic Watt has everybody gazing at a larger than life Madame Hanoi at Adelaide’s most talked about restaurant mural.
Emma launched her philanthropic ‘Emma Hack Art Prize’ in 2014, a yearly competition as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival. It features South Australia’s most talented artists, vying for the $5000 prize. It is currently the only prize established for South Australian artists.
Emma Hack has held successful solo shows throughout Australia and abroad at Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery, NYC and London, Bluerider Art in Taipei as well as hugely successful art fairs in Singapore, Brussels, Aspen, The Hamptons, Hong Kong and Milan. Emma opened her flagship Studio and Gallery, Emma Hack Gallery opened her flagship gallery in North Adelaide in her hometown of Adelaide from 2014 – 2016. Her work is held in numerous private and corporate collections globally.
LINKS
Collections
Commercial Work
Advertising Work
Music Videos
Media & Documentaries
Press
YouTube Channel
ADVERTISING
Body art is a powerful way to advertise products and services, using creativity that makes you look twice!
Examples include:
PRODUCT LAUNCHES, FASHION PARADES & EVENTS
Body art can be used in many forms for events and product launches to gain media attention and create a unique and eye-catching piece of art for guests to talk about.
Examples include:
FASHION PARADES
Body art can be used in fashion shows to accentuate designs in the form of:
CLIENT LIST INCLUDES
REVIEWS / TESTIMONIALS
“We were fortunate to have engaged Emma Hack to deliver an inspired body art installation as part of our exhibit at the 2013 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Emma was fantastic to work with; relaxed, accommodating and very professional. Emma’s design exceeded our expectations and she was a huge drawcard, attracting media and general interest from show participants. I would be happy to recommend Emma to any future clients.”
Euan Laird – Chief Executive Officer, Nursery and Garden Industry Association of Australia
“Just a wee note to try and express my gratitude – though surely words are insufficient. Emma, you went beyond the call, times a thousand. You are a true artisan while also being a consummate professional and a wonderful spirit. You have magnificent poise and joy in you and were generous enough to also share that with us. Thanking you infinitely.”
Natasha Pincus – Starkraving Productions
“I wanted to email to say a HUGE thank you for doing SUCH an amazing job with the models on Wednesday for the Westfield Campaign. Westfield were absolutely thrilled with the results and how gorgeous and life-like the models outfits looked! As I’m sure you’ve seen, we’ve had some amazing media coverage of the event, in large part thanks to you and your assistants – please also thank them and your models from me and the team. Thanks again Emma, and hope to work with you again in future.”
Elizabeth Reid – Senior Account Manager, Haystac
“Emma Hack and model Tegan were a pleasure to have at this event and were a stand out for the hosts, Urbantech Finance. Not only because of Emma’s skills but her down to earth personality made her a pleasure to have as a guest at the event once she had completed the body art. Emma and Tegan visited the tables and talked to guests when the body art was complete which the audience loved.”
Sam Cocks – Urbantech Finance CEO
“Emma Hack’s body painting work at an intimate Panasonic @ Work launch event added colour to the room and was a great way to entertain guests”
Kate Moffatt – Senior Consultant and Manager, Events – Michels Warren (Tour Down Under)