Georgina (Georgie) Hare transitioned from a career in dance and performance into the visual arts.
A professional dancer, Hare says: “Dance is a whole language and the connection of mind to body, it has to fire so quickly that if you’re not training it, you sort of crumble a bit.
“I’ve always painted alongside dance, but just as personal enjoyment and sort of the cathartic therapy,” she explains. “And then in Covid, I was painting because obviously no one needs a professional dancer in a pandemic.”
Hare’s visual art has gained attention, leading to exhibitions and features in publications like Vogue.
“I think my dancing was so regimented and professional that my art is very much an expression of my inner world and much more directly connected to my emotional being.”
Hare’s current artistic practice is informed by her background in dance and movement, as well as her interest in themes of inclusivity and gender.
She has been conducting interviews with female dancers, performers and artists to incorporate their stories and perspectives into her work. This research, combined with her own personal exploration, is shaping the development of her Master’s thesis project and a forthcoming public exhibition.
“I’m definitely exploring the connection of my dance and performance work to my visual painting work … and having access to interesting people, I’m exploring what it is to be a woman now, in a hyper-sexualised world and environment.
“We’ve started hosting women-in-art dinners at Jenny Robinson’s print studio in Redfern, an incredible brand-new open-access print atelier.
“I’ve been able to speak to all these women about their experiences and what it is to be a woman that might be empowered by her body, but then also shamed or judged or liberated – there are all these layers of complication to the conversation.”
In addition to her visual art, Hare continues to be involved in movement direction, teaching dance and collaborating within the LGBTQ+ creative community. Her multidisciplinary approach reflects her holistic view of art as a spiritual and connective practice, grounded in a deep appreciation for the natural world and the cultures of the land on which she works.
Exciting possibilities are on the way. “I think there’s some options, maybe do some written work on it, maybe make a short film, maybe make a number of paintings in response to the conversations. Perhaps I may create a live installation work or something along those lines.”
Hare is currently developing the arts and wellness community at Paddington Uniting Church. The work includes a yoga program, art studios, exhibitions, live music and more. Follow @thechurchpaddo on Instagram.
Very talented and multi skilled also inspirational young lady, honoured to have met Georgie under some special circumstances.