‘FREN.ZI’ 76.2×76.2cm SOLD
Artist credit: @miranda_hampson_art

As The Pop-Up Project reflects on a vibrant year of creativity in 2024, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our feature artist, Miranda Hampson. An Anaiwan artist whose deeply personal and evocative works have resonated with audiences both locally and internationally, Miranda’s art is a profound exploration of identity, heritage and the shared human experience. Her creations seamlessly weave together the threads of her Anaiwan roots, cherished childhood memories and the complexities of contemporary life.

Connection to Anaiwan Heritage

Miranda’s connection to her Anaiwan heritage (Uralla, NSW) forms the foundation of her artistic vision. Raised on Gumbaynggirr Country, her childhood memories of visiting family in Uralla – picking blackberries, searching for fool’s gold and exploring opal mines – infused her art with a sense of adventure and nostalgia. These familial connections, coupled with the artistic influence of her grandmother, have shaped a practice that is both deeply rooted in tradition and distinctly modern.

“My practice could be classed as ‘Contemporary Aboriginal art’ if we wanted to label it, however, it’s more than that” Miranda explains. “It is a combination of teachings from my Anaiwan grandmother, appropriate through my own lineage, and influences from my upbringing and the human experience in today’s world. ” This blend of tradition and innovation earned her recognition as a finalist in the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize for her piece addressing the decline of the mariner shell.

Exploring the Human Experience

Central to Miranda’s practice is an unflinching exploration of the human experience. She delves into themes of vulnerability, resilience and the complexities of relationships.

“As a people pleaser – a common human experience in today’s world – I tend to gravitate to narcissistic relationships in nature.” she shares. “You lose touch with your values and instead start following along with what matters to others at the cost of what matters to you.” This struggle inspired her work A Cool Burn, a finalist in the Goulburn Art Award, which contrasts courage and determination with the destructive behaviors of bullying and manipulation.

Expressing Trauma Through Art

Miranda’s art often serves as a medium for expressing difficult emotions. Her intent is deeply personal, yet she deliberately leaves space for interpretation, inviting audiences to find their own connections.

“Many of us can relate to trauma, whether it be death, abandonment, relationship breakdown, health challenges, changes in family dynamics, et cetera” she reflects. “For example, my work ‘FREN.ZI’ – a fish feeding frenzy – is about experiencing a state of excitement and confusion whilst having to compete with those who want the same thing. The work resonated deeply with the collector as they felt it conveyed their journey of a long awaited adult ADHD diagnosis.”

A Tribute to Heritage

Currently, Miranda is working on a piece dedicated to her Anaiwan totem, the echidna, and a beloved local Elder who recently passed away. This intricate work embodies the echidna’s teachings: to focus on detail and channel energy wisely. “For me, the echidna provides a link to my ancestors and I like to call upon them when I am facing tough challenges as the echidna teaches us the value of focusing on the beauty of detail – a key characteristic in my art – and the need to utilise our energy in a more competent way.” she says. “Sometimes I just like to know my ancestors are watching over me in the form of an echidna.”

A Stellar Year of Achievements

In 2024, Miranda’s work gained significant recognition, earning her accolades in prestigious art prizes:

• Major Award Winner, Best of City and Country Art
  
• Finalist in the Goulburn Art Award, National Contemporary Art Prize, and Fisher’s Ghost Art Award, among others
  
• Salon des Refusés, Lethbridge Small Scale Art Award
  
• Nominee, Vincent Van Gogh Tribute

Her art was also featured in prominent publications, including Art Edit Magazine, Artist Close-Up, and Contemporary Art Collectors Magazine.

Looking Ahead

With upcoming exhibitions at LEDA in May 2025 and Artefact Projects in New York in November 2026, Miranda’s artistic journey continues to inspire and evolve. Her work not only celebrates her heritage but also serves as a mirror for the shared struggles and triumphs of the human experience.

We are honoured to feature Miranda Hampson, a remarkable artist whose work transcends boundaries and connects us all. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from The Pop-Up Project as we continue to celebrate our talented collective of artists in 2025.

To learn more about Miranda Hampson and her incredible practice, visit her website here.