Studio 88 is delighted to welcome abstract painter Rashna Hackett as our September 2025 artist-in-residence. Known for her instinctive, emotionally charged approach to abstraction, Rashna brings with her a wealth of experience and a deeply personal artistic journey shaped by diverse cultural influences.
Rashna’s practice is rooted in intuition—painting without preconception, allowing colour, gesture, and instinct to lead. Each work emerges from an interplay of conscious and subconscious forces, reflecting both her personal identity and broader cultural histories.
Born of Indian and African heritage and having lived in England for more than four decades, Rashna’s art embodies the tensions and harmonies of multiple cultural narratives. Her canvases often carry the visceral weight of conflict and colonisation, yet moments of celebration and reconciliation shine through. These dynamic juxtapositions capture the complexities of belonging, memory, and transformation.
“My work is about walking a psychological tightrope,” Rashna reflects. “Between cultures, between histories, between conflict and peace—my paintings are where these conversations unfold.”
Rashna’s paintings have gained international recognition, crossing into both fine art and design. Her paintings have been featured in Dolcezza Inc.’s collections (2020, 2023, 2024), installed at The Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York) and the Michelin-starred restaurant Chubby Castor (UK), and showcased during her residency at Château d’Orquevaux, France. She continues to collaborate globally, including with Batik Fair by Kottegoda (Sri Lanka) , contributing contemporary designs to traditional batik textiles, and her work has appeared in Saatchi Art catalogues and Country and Town House Magazine. These achievements highlight Rashna’s versatility as an artist whose practice resonates across artistic, cultural, and commercial contexts.
During her residency at Studio 88, Rashna plans to fully immerse herself in painting, experimentation, and reflection, free from the distractions of daily life. She hopes to deepen her practice by exploring new techniques and pushing the boundaries of abstraction, while also engaging in cultural dialogue with fellow resident artists from diverse backgrounds. Inspired by Chiang Mai’s landscapes, traditions, and social contexts, she aims to weave local influences into her work and share her journey through artist talks and collaborative exchanges. Above all, Rashna envisions this time as a period of self-reflection and renewal—an opportunity to refine her artistic voice and discover new directions in her practice.
Studio 88 is excited to see how Rashna’s journey will unfold in Chiang Mai this September. Her presence promises not only vibrant new works but also meaningful exchanges within our creative community.
Read more about Rashna Hackett on her website https://www.artbyrashna.com/
Studio 88 is accepting applications on an on-going basis. Check out our residency program and apply now.
Studio 88 Artist Residency 