Sara Hardin: Unconscious Place

In Unconscious Place, Sara Hardin embarks on a captivating exploration of the intricacies within the conscious and unconscious realms of the human psyche. Through oil paintings that intertwine architectural structures with fragmented domestic spaces, overgrown with lush foliage, the exhibition unfolds as a delicate dance between the desire for control and the unrestrained exploration of dreams. Born from the artist’s therapeutic journey, these works serve as a visual testament to the extraordinary harmony found in embracing the mysterious and fertile realm of the unconscious, while acknowledging the foundational forces of reason and consciousness. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their own internal landscapes, sparking a dialogue about the profound unity that emerges when the conscious and unconscious converge.

Sara Hardin, a New Orleans-based artist and art educator, channels the landscapes of her inner world through captivating oil paintings. Born and raised in New Orleans, she ventured to Lafayette, Louisiana, to pursue her passion for art education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In 2016, she earned her bachelor’s degree. After a few years working as an art educator in Lafayette, Hardin returned to her hometown to delve deeper into her artistic journey. She was accepted into the Masters of Fine Arts program at the University of New Orleans, where she concentrated in painting and printmaking. During her academic pursuit, she secured a fully funded residency in Van Cleave, MS, and participated in various group exhibitions across New Orleans. 

Having graduated in 2023 with her MFA, Sara has been published in notable publications such as Artist Close Up Magazine, Super Present Magazine, and Subo Art Magazine. Her paintings have been showcased in three solo exhibitions across Louisiana: at the U.N.O. St. Claude Gallery in New Orleans, LSMSA Gallery in Natchitoches, and presently at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Remaining dedicated to the field of education, Hardin continues to inspire as an art educator and is currently represented by M Contemporary in New Orleans, she stands as a testament to the vibrant intersection of passion and artistic expression.

From the artist:

My oil paintings delve into the enigmatic and ever-shifting depths of my internal landscape, a quest to unravel the intricate relationship between the conscious and the unconscious within my own mind. I intertwine imagery of architectural structures with fragmented domestic spaces, often overgrown with foliage. This intentional interplay between the rigid elements of a structured world and the exuberant growth of nature reflects the ongoing dialogue within my mind—a delicate dance between the desire for control and organized thought and the unrestrained exploration of dreams and hidden truths in my subconscious. 

This concept began as I started therapy, utilizing EMDR, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. The act of tapping into the unconscious mind, the forgotten moments to better understand my reactions, emotions, and ultimately myself. In the creative process, I immerse myself in the intimacy of familiar spaces, meticulously exploring the nuances of my own and others’ homes as a keen observer. Through photography, I document these moments and employ collage techniques to construct my layered compositions, mirroring the complexity of the human mind’s landscape. 

Through my art, I aspire to spark a dialogue about the intricacies of the human experience, illuminating the profound unity that emerges when the conscious and the unconscious converge. My work serves as a visual testament to the extraordinary harmony found in embracing the mysterious and fertile realm of the unconscious while acknowledging the foundational forces of reason and consciousness that shape our lives. I hope that my creations inspire viewers to embark on their own introspective journeys, navigating the enigmatic landscapes within themselves.