Abstract Re-invented

My paintings speak from that raw place. They don’t just reflect me — they reflect you. They’re echoes of strangers, fragments of people you loved, lost, or passed on the street without noticing. They are the truth beneath the disguise.

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Through every brushstroke, I search for beauty in the chaos — something real, something human. A reminder that even in a fractured world, we are still reaching for connection, still fighting to be seen.

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​​​​We’re drowning in a beautifully curated lie. The world feels lonelier than ever, and somehow, technology made us more connected but less human. Painting is a way for me to unravel the tangled emotions I carry about myself and the fractured world we live in. We exist inside a curated illusion, a hollow theater of masks and mirrors. Despite the constant hum of connectivity, we’ve never felt more alone. Technology hasn’t brought us closer; it’s only deepened the silence between us.

There’s a quiet war within us all — between who we really are and the version we present to survive. Every morning we wake up and armor ourselves with smiles, pleasantries, filters. We hide the parts we long for others to see. We bury the wounds we fear they'll reject — the brokenness, the shame, the unspoken ache.​

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As a painter, I am always focused on experimenting with new ideas. Sometimes a wild idea will pop into my head when I least expect it. I'll write it down and think for days on how I can make it a reality. Recently, I have been experimenting with using new materials and stepping away from the traditional canvas. My artistic expression is derived from the exploration of imperfections as a foundational element. My paintings start out as loose random doodles with little to no meaning or value. My paintings focus on the composition, flow of lines, and the inherent beauty of each piece. I strive to evoke emotions through a unique and distinctive approach. I find inspiration in the chaos of everyday life, cartoons, people, and life experiences. I am also inspired by the artistic works of H.R. Giger, Francis Bacon, Picasso, George Condo, Wassily Kandinsky, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Jackson Pollock. Ultimately, I empower the viewer to interpret and determine the narrative unfolding within the artwork.

John Hannum, also known as J.E. Hannum, stands as a contemporary abstract artist firmly rooted in Tri-Cities, Washington. His artistic expression takes form in the creation of dynamic cubist-style abstract paintings, meticulously crafted through the use of acrylic, oil, pastel, and charcoal. He uses brushes, palette knives, his hands, and many other tools to apply paint to the canvas. Art has been an integral aspect of his life since an early age. In the latter part of the 2000s, Hannum pursued his college education at Washington State University, marking the rekindling of his artistic journey. Hannum's brushstrokes become a medium for articulating the intricate relationship between modern living and the emotions we all feel. His paintings prompt viewers to contemplate the narrative within, as he skillfully orchestrates a visual symphony featuring lines, colors, abstract figures, and elements of realism.

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All of my works are dedicated to my loving wife, my family, and all the great friends who’ve supported me along my journey.

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