"Anastasia Marianna Hansen's Humility"

Hansen's paintings are only a starting point. Their symmetry and simplicity in shape equate to a complexity of inner experience. It is a humble task, which most artists, who prefer their work to be worshiped or at least admired rather than be of service to the viewer, shun, but at the same time an immense one because Hansen strives to be universal and inclusive. The art is not the end and can never rival the complexity of people and the universe. Hansen believes that the truly interesting occurs in the mind and body rather than the canvas, which often is too boastful.

The fluorescence surrounding Hansen's mystical symbols have a marginal, subdued presence. As brightly colored as the symbols' auras are, they are careful not to impose themselves on the viewer and disrupt the his precious meditations. Hansen emphasizes the amazing and fortunate coincidence that simplicity accompanies universality. She is unafraid, however, to make her paintings distinctly contemporary. There is certainly no point to appealing to the people of the past and perhaps it is impossible to appeal to people of the future. Hansen does not care for a legacy, only that she provides for those around her during her lifetime.

-Andrew Beckerman