Artist Statement Artist, Graphic Designer mDD Anastasia Marianna Hansen Krudttårnsvej 21, 1. th. Denmark +45 2674 0004 info@universet.eu www. universet.eu Let me introduce you to the Universal Symbols. I believe that the collection of Universal Symbols is a universal language of which I am recieving one sign after another. The number of signs or symbols I recieved is around 60 and still more are coming. I receive the symbols through deep meditative experience or you might say through and extended intuitive state of mind. Background: I graduated in 1997 at the Danish Design School in Copenhagen. Afterwards I have been working in adverticing and graphic design in various adverticing agencies. I have my own design company, Universet. I have been exhibiting my paintings in various companies such as Novo Nordic Denmark, Quality of Life Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark, Ico Gallery, Manhattan, New York. My painting style is Mixed Media : I paint with acryllic and silkpaint and use different metallic effects. The paintings are afterwards digitally manipulated. The measurement is 1,3 x 1,3 meters. Finally the works are printed on canvas and again I am painting. Inspiration/ Function : Symbols and their visual combination of colour and form, have always had a strong sacred significance. Symbols were used in rituals, initiations, and life ceremonies to protect against negative forces, and encourage beneficial energies for physical and psychic strength. It is part of our basic nature, a universal and innate need to use symbols to connect, communicate, reaffirm and join humans with the ”infinite”. Symbols are our guides to direct our thoughts and feelings back to a stronger sense of self. Traditionally, art was not merely to be enjoyed, but played a unique function to illuminate. Art played the magical role of leading people towards a higher experience. My work is an effort to link ourselves back to the hidden realities, which are deep within ourselves. It is an attempt to approach our original base, and our true needs and hearts’ desires. These are exactely the qualities I want to invoke with my symbols. In order to reinvoke our memories of the authensity of spirit we all have within ourselves. Anastasia Marianna Hansen