INTERVIEW WITH:
HANIA FARRELL
The Art of Reflection: Hania Farrell on Challenging Archetypes and Embracing Change
In an age of rapid change, Hania Farrell’s art serves as a counterpoint—an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and reflect on the shifting nature of identity and memory. In this interview with Cluster London, she shares how her Lebanese heritage and life in London influence her work, how she balances accessibility with depth, and why she sees art as a tool for empathy and dialogue.
From multimedia installations to digital experimentation, Farrell’s practice continues to evolve, bridging the physical and digital in search of new creative possibilities.
BOYS WILL BE BOYS | 2011
DIVER III
Hi Hania! Your work explores the delicate intersections between humanity, nature, and identity. How do you ensure these complex relationships remain accessible to your audience while retaining their depth?
In my work, I often explore abstract ideas in a way that feels both present and relatable, through an emphasis on human experience, particularly the shared journey of life . Emphasising themes like mobility, adaptability and the search for meaning , I try to connect the personal and the universal. I aim to make my art feel like a conversation, a way for others to reflect on their own place in the world.
For instance, In the multimedia installation ‘Another Realm,’ viewers are invited to straddle the line between reality and imagination, experiencing a peaceful waterfall through a peephole. Using simple visual layers to ensure accessibility, the work retains an underlying complexity that encourages deeper reflection, drawing the audience into its conceptual depth.
Your work challenges societal archetypes. How do you measure the success of a piece in encouraging viewers to question these constructs?
As an artist, I consider my work successful when it prompts audiences to question preconceived notions and conventional wisdom. This effect is the result of a combination of layers, motion, and the unexpected interplay of pictures. An effective piece of art is one that makes viewers rethink their assumptions or think critically about the world around them. The goal of any piece of art should be to provoke contemplation and questioning of the viewer's own beliefs and the world at large.
ONE SUMMER’S DAY | 2009
I LIKE IT HERE | 2013
MENTAL HUES I | 2025
Projects like Helix blend abstraction and historical narratives. Could you walk us through your creative process for integrating research into such works?
My creative approach for Helix started with instinctive inquiry when I entered the offices of naval architects in Shoreditch, a time capsule preserved since the 60s. This event established the foundation for a deeper investigation, directing me to archives, museums, and shipyards. Originating from a family background in the lumber industry and travel, I was compelled to engage with Helix to investigate how entrepreneurship influences identity and continuity throughout generations. Movement, both literal and metaphorical, is central to my practice. I choose to concentrate on the founders—the individuals responsible for the legacy—rather than the industry itself. By integrating intuition with study, Helix emerged as a manifestation of resilience, labour, and continuity.
THE REFLECTION
SUSPENSION OF REALITY QUADTYCH
Much of your work invites viewers to pause and reconnect. How do you hope your art impacts those who experience it, particularly in today’s fast-paced world?
In today’s world, where everything moves so quickly, I hope my work provides a space where viewers can step outside the hustle and reconnect with themselves and the world around them. My art is a reflection of the need for stillness and introspection amidst the madness of modern life. By capturing fleeting moments, like the view from a passing train, or conceiving the digital collages of the Tondos I invite others to reflect on the importance of presence and mindfulness. I hope that people leave with a sense of connection to the moment, to the world, and to their own personal journey.
Your Lebanese heritage and life in London offer a unique lens on cultural identity. How do you see this duality shaping the way you approach themes of memory and transformation?
The contrast of my Lebanese background and my life in London greatly shapes how I respond to topics of memory and transition. Having grown up in multiple cities and different environments where history and identity were always shifting, I have learnt to approach themes of transition by recognising that identity is not fixed but rather altered by both past experiences and the always shifting surroundings.
Memory goes beyond simple preservation. It is about re-imagining and re-contextualising what counts to us, especially in view of change.
Looking through the prism of time, transformation reminds us of identity rather than the loss of it.
NATURE’S QUIET CLAIM I
“I hope to encourage empathy and understanding across cultures, an invitation to engage in a deeper dialogue about the complexities of belonging, change, and the common threads that unite us all, regardless of background or origin.”
NATURE’S QUIET CLAIM II
Looking ahead, are there any themes, mediums, or collaborations you are particularly eager to explore in your future work?
I am interested in exploring further the intersection between physical and digital worlds. I’m excited to explore how they can complement and challenge each other.
Collaboration is also something I’m keen to explore more, whether with other visual artists, musicians, or writers.
Cluster London connects contemporary artists with wider audiences. How do you see your work contributing to conversations about inclusivity, empathy, and cultural dialogue within such a platform?
As an artist with a multicultural background, I see my work as a bridge between different worlds, connecting not only my own experiences but also the experiences of others who may feel similarly. The themes of adaptability, memory, and transformation resonate with a global audience, reminding us of our shared humanity. I hope to encourage empathy and understanding across cultures, an invitation to engage in a deeper dialogue about the complexities of belonging, change, and the common threads that unite us all, regardless of background or origin.
THE BLUR
THE OBSERVER
Thank you for reading,
Alexandra, Ema & the Cluster Team.