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Hanna Kao, a 17-year-old senior at Palos Verdes High School, has been creating art for as long as she can remember. With a passion for acrylic painting and a newfound interest in charcoal, Hanna’s work captures a raw, impressionistic style. She avoids pre-sketching, allowing her creativity to flow spontaneously onto the canvas.
For Hanna, art is more than a hobby—it’s a therapeutic outlet. She turned to painting during challenging times, including her struggle with an eating disorder, finding solace and peace in the process. Painting became a way to express emotions that words couldn’t convey, fostering resilience and healing. “Painting helps me escape reality and create an imaginative world,” she shares, adding that her work often reflects themes of inclusivity and self-acceptance, inspired by her experiences with bullying and insecurities.
Hanna’s art carries a profound purpose. She strives to connect with others by addressing issues people often conceal. “My paintings highlight insecurities and hardships, aiming to resonate with those facing similar struggles,” she explains. One of her most meaningful pieces, Feel it All, explores the idea of embracing the present moment, a message Hanna holds close. The work, featuring a grotesque face, invites viewers to see themselves reflected in its imperfections.
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A pivotal moment in Hanna’s journey came when she stepped out of her comfort zone to participate in an art walk organized by Freedom4U. Encouraged by her AP Art teacher, she painted live for the first time, interacting with passersby and sharing the meanings behind her work. This experience connected her with Greg Allen, who provided invaluable support and helped her gain confidence in showcasing her art publicly.
Displaying her paintings has been both humbling and exhilarating. Watching strangers engage with her pieces, interpreting their underlying messages, fuels her passion for creating thought-provoking art. “It’s amazing to see my work resonate with people and spark conversations,” Hanna reflects. This connection underscores her belief in art’s ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds.
Looking ahead, Hanna dreams of attending college to major in fine arts, aspiring to establish a studio in California or New York. She envisions a future where her art continues to advocate for empathy, inclusivity, and social change. “Art has been my passion since childhood,” she says. “I can only see myself being truly content working in the art industry.”
Through her work, Hanna Kao offers a glimpse into the transformative power of art—not just as a medium of self-expression, but as a bridge that connects individuals, inspires dialogue, and fosters understanding in an often divided world.