Hanna Geara is a Lebanese artist currently residing in Estonia. Born in 1972 in Kleiat, Lebanon, amidst the early years of the civil war, he spent his youth exploring the natural wonders of the Lebanese wilderness. The breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea from the high mountains fueled his imagination and set the stage for his artistic journey.
In his teenage years, Hanna delved into the biographies of Italian Renaissance artists and 18th-century orientalist prints, igniting a lasting passion for the creation of art. He pursued formal education in modern art at the Institute of Fine Arts at the Lebanese University in Beirut, graduating in 1995. His participation in collective exhibitions organized by prestigious galleries and museums in the capital marked the beginning of his recognition in the local art scene.
Transitioning to Rome, Italy, Hanna pursued a Master’s in TV and Film directing at the Faculty of Social Communication Science at the Salesian Pontifical University from 1999 to 2005. His thesis, titled “Videoart: The Electronic Body,” showcased his academic prowess and deepened his understanding of the variety of art forms.
Throughout his career, Hanna’s works found homes in private and corporate collections in Lebanon, France, Italy, and Estonia. His artistic endeavours extended beyond traditional mediums, encompassing commissions for relief sculpture in terra cotta, mural paintings, mosaics, and set designs in both Lebanon and Italy. A testament to his versatility, he authored the novel “The Collapse” in Italian, blending autobiography with fantasy in a narrative spanning Lebanon and Italy.
Hanna’s commitment to education led him to a seven-year tenure as an Art and Film history teacher at Tallinn University. Simultaneously, he continued to showcase his artwork at Gallery Art Depoo in Tallinn and presented his Videoart at various venues, including Tallinn University, Kirjanike Maja in collaboration with the Ensemble “Resonabilis,” and Rahvaraamat in partnership with Professor Ular Ploom.
For the past five years, Hanna has been instrumental in shaping young artistic minds, teaching art and organizing workshops in art, video, cinema, and animation at the European School of Tallinn. His dedication to art-making remains unwavering, practising the techniques and skills acquired throughout his remarkable journey.
In 2022, Hanna embarked on a collaborative project with the local band “Horror Dance Squad,” creating the animated music video for the song “Into the Wild.” From conceptualization to drawing and animation, direction, and production, he demonstrated his multifaceted talents in bringing the project to life. Hanna Geara continues teaching and experimenting in art, seamlessly blending his diverse experiences and skills into a rich tapestry of creativity.