The awkward but compelling paintings in ‘An Alien snuck into class and no one noticed’ are intricate and layered explorations of identity. Joynt points out “Body parts and expressions are exaggerated and manipulated to create complex and intriguing characters.’ The school photograph is a forum in which complexity of peer groups and personal image is laid out in an often painfully revealing way. The figures in Joynt’s paintings are small in stature, self-conscious in pose but in some way have a maturity and age beyond their years; qualities which bring a more personal and self reflecting perspective for the observer.

Hannah Joynt graduated with a BFA in painting from Otago polytechnic in 2006. This is her first solo exhibition at COCA Gallery as part of the emerging artist program.