Cadence Hooks: An Artist Bridging Humanity, Nature, & Social Change | Falyn Morningstar | 2-2025

Cadence Hooks is a contemporary abstract figurative artist whose work bridges the human form with the natural world, exploring themes of connection, resilience, and transformation. Living between New York, Cape Town, and Europe, Hooks approaches color as an emotional and subconscious language, allowing the environment, music, and intuition to guide her process. Known for her mastery of anatomy, her paintings fuse gestural lines with organic shapes, evoking both strength and fragility in a dynamic conversation between the body and nature.

Exhibited in prestigious galleries and fairs worldwide, including Art Basel, Scope NYC, and Paris’ Estudio Nomada, Hooks’ work is celebrated for its emotional depth and intellectual rigor. Her large-scale immersive installations, such as the iconic bark walls of Arcadia Earth Museum in Las Vegas, invite viewers into a sensory experience that reflects her commitment to environmental activism and social change. Known for her humanitarian efforts, Hooks has participated in numerous art fundraisers and environmental initiatives, using her platform to support causes ranging from sustainable farming to climate awareness. Her art is a meditation on the human condition and the interconnectedness of life, a powerful reflection of the world we inhabit and the one we dream of.

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You're a New York native, but now you live and work between Cape Town, New York, and Europe. How does this international lifestyle influence your art, and what do you love most about each location?

As a New York native, the fast-paced energy of the city has shaped my approach to life and art. The drive and determination embedded in New York’s rhythm have made me a dream weaver—constantly cooking up ideas, crafting them, and delivering. The city’s saturation of creativity, aesthetic, and ambition inspires me to keep reaching for new heights. My international lifestyle, however, brings balance and depth to my work. Living between Cape Town, New York, and Europe has allowed me to step outside of my own bubble and connect with diverse communities and cultures. I believe in resonating with the world beyond our circles, outside of recycling the same ideas, thoughts, and consciousness. Each place I live directly influences the series I create, as I see my canvas as a mirror to the people and places I encounter.

In Cape Town, I’ve found a tribe of vibrant, grounded individuals who radiate life and love. The natural beauty—the sea, sunsets, and mountains—feels like a dreamy stimulation that keeps me present and endlessly inspired. My “Flaketown” series, for instance, was born from the spirit of South African "timeframe" and ease of life all while incorporating normal issues of the place such as Baboobs - playful chaos ransacking homes which was happening in Kommetjie when I first arrived.

From Europe, I’m captivated by the history, food, and slower pace of life. I love wandering through the Uffizi Gallery or getting lost along the Spanish coast. It allows me to digest everything around me—literally and creatively.

As an adventurer and researcher, I love studying the colors, culture, and essence of each city. For example, the blush-toned buildings of the South of France inspired a softer palette in my work, while time in Mexico led me to explore earthy elements like wind, fire, and frequencies. Ultimately, I strive to reflect the universal connection we all share while honoring the uniqueness of every place I call home.

You've exhibited at prestigious galleries like LA Frieze, Scope Art Fair NYC, and Art Basel. Can you tell us about the experience of sharing your work at these events and how it's impacted your career?

Exhibiting at prestigious galleries like LA Frieze, Scope Art Fair NYC, and Art Basel has been both transformational and humbling. These opportunities not only provide exposure but also serve as pivotal building blocks in an artist’s career. Its more than just showcasing work, it's about connecting with your larger art community, exchanging ideas, and aligning with the pulse of the art world. To be a part of these showcases offers invaluable credentials for you as an artist and positions you in the thick of it! You will be surrounded by incredible talent and energy and the connections I’ve made through these shows have been life-changing. For example, my experiences at Art Basel not only led me to Cape Town, where I’ve found inspiration and community, but also strengthened my relationships with artists I admire, some of whom I later exhibited alongside at LA Frieze—a highlight of my career. Frieze was a manifestation of years of perseverance. It came to fruition three years after my first Basel, through a connection I made in Las Vegas of all places. That person followed my work, and when the timing aligned, it led to a spot in LA Frieze. It was surreal to show alongside artists I had read about and admired my whole career. It was a special night, the LA community was vibrant with electric energy, where even the people attending were works of art themselves.

These experiences have taught me to stay patient, humble, and gracious. Every interaction matters, as you never know what door it might open down the road. As Magnus Resch, a friend and art marketing expert, says: "Get out of those island galleries." As artists, we’re solo entrepreneurs, navigating external factors while staying true to our authenticity and creative visions. Network bravely, smile often, and show up for what you believe in—passion is the key.

Your immersive installations, such as the bark walls of Arcadia Earth Museum showcased in Vegas, are truly awe-inspiring. How do you approach creating these large-scale, multi-sensory experiences that not only capture the imagination but also convey important messages about environmental challenges and sustainability?

Wow! I mean I love to bring dreams to life — the larger scale the better! I get so excited to have a massive space to design. My journey into large-scale art started in college, where I studied microalgae in botany class. I was fascinated by dinoflagellates—they looked like tiny spaceships. I began creating large-scale models of these microscopic organisms in my sculpture class, turning the small and powerful into something grand and immersive. To make something so small and intricate into something large and impactful became a challenge I couldn’t resist. Later, my love for scale evolved in Bushwick, where I painted massive murals on warehouse walls, learning how to design boldly for big spaces.

For the bark walls, we wanted to replicate the essence of nature on a grand scale. Sourcing the wood was an adventure in itself, with collaborations that brought in real materials from Woodstock. I dove into my biology nerd roots, sorting pieces by bark texture, lichen patterns, and colors to create a layered, mosaic-like design that felt authentic. The goal was to make visitors feel as though they were walking through towering tree trunks. My incredible design team worked tirelessly—jokingly calling ourselves the "Suicide Squad" as we worked through late nights, sawdust everywhere, pouring heart and soul into every detail. These projects are a labor of love. Beyond their visual impact, they’re about storytelling and connection. I want my work to inspire people to see the world differently, to think about our relationship with the environment, and to leave feeling moved. That’s the power of art—it can immerse you, inspire you, and maybe even change the way you see yourself in the world.

Your work often features bold, striking colors, patterns and nudity. What draws you to this style, and how do you choose the color palettes for your pieces? As a contemporary artist, what do you hope to communicate through your work, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?

My work has always revolved around the human form and a raw, unfiltered essence of life. From an early age, I was captivated by anatomy and movement, drawing human form as a four year old and then taking it on in art classes at age seven because it was something that intimidated me. I continued to study anatomy, completing an advanced clay anatomy course at just 9 years old and also shadowed our farm vet during surgeries. This fascination evolved into an obsession with capturing the body’s fluidity and imperfections—its ability to convey strength, vulnerability, and emotion. Nudity, in particular, represents authenticity, stripping away pretense to reveal what is deeply human.

The bold colors and patterns in my work come from the places and experiences that shape me. In Berlin, I explored themes of transformation and resilience after personal loss, inspired by the city’s juxtaposition of raw industrial textures and soft, pastel skies. In Spain, the golden light and rhythmic Flamenco culture influenced a series rooted in passion and motion, using warm tones and expressive patterns. My palette is always tied to the environment I’m in—the texture of cobblestones, the shadows cast by trees, or the hum of a city at night. Music is integral too; I paint pre-made playlists that keep me in meditation and in the same mood, as my palettes are instinctual not contrived, and these soundtracks often become part of the story I share with my audience.

As a contemporary artist, I aim to hold a mirror up to the world. My work is about capturing moments that feel visceral and alive—a fleeting kiss, the first dive into water after a long day, or the way light dances on skin. It’s raw, unpolished, and deeply connected to life’s fleeting beauty. I want my art to be a celebration of existence—bold, unapologetic, and honest, just like me haha. If I leave a legacy, I hope it’s one that reminds people to embrace the imperfect and revel in the humanity of it all. Through color, form, and movement, I want to spark connection, curiosity, and a hunger for life.

We're curious about the Unlitter New York project—how did it come to life, and what's the main goal or mission driving it? As we're starting 2025, do you have any exciting ambitions or plans in the works? How can the reader get involved andcontribute to the Unlitter NY movement?

The Unlitter New York movement was born during my time at an art residency in Barcelona, a period of deep introspection and personal growth. As I distanced myself from the fashion industry's waste-driven cycle, I found inspiration in hosting immersive art experiences that connected communities and highlighted the power of collective action. My background in biology, combined with my ability to curate and manage large-scale events, led me to realize that I could harness these skills to address the urgent issue of consumption and environmental waste. A parallel conversation sparked Arcadia Earth, a project discussed with Valentino Vettori after a dinner in the LES. At the time I was helping him build installations for the Coterie show and both of us were disillusioned by the transient nature of art and design—creating beautiful works only to discard them. We shared a vision: to use our creative gifts to drive tangible, positive change through storytelling. In Barcelona, I refined this vision into Unlitter New York, a platform for promoting sustainability through art, music, and innovative design. I partnered with local farms, venues, musicians, and eco-conscious designers, featuring sustainable technologies such as 3D-printed furniture made from mushrooms and laser-cut glass. The concept was simple: Party with a Purpose —using art and creativity to engage people in meaningful conversations about responsible consumption and environmental stewardship.

As Unlitter gained momentum, I sought opportunities to expand its reach and collaborated with Arcadia Earth, working with the UN and global media to raise awareness. I also brought Unlitter New York to Convicts Media, where we created the TV series Unlitter Your Holiday, using humor to make sustainability more accessible.

Today, Unlitter has evolved into a movement, a mindset that extends beyond events. My focus has shifted to creating systems and structures that can bring real, large-scale change. I am developing educational initiatives for regenerative farming in Africa, leveraging digital technologies and crypto to empower sustainable businesses. As I look ahead, I’m determined to work with policy makers, innovators, and leaders to build an infrastructure that makes sustainability effortless and intrinsic to everyday life.

You've already accomplished so much across multiple disciplines, from painting and photography to installations and environmental activism. What's one dream project or collaboration that you haven't yet pursued, and what excites you most about the possibility of bringing it to life?

One of my dream projects is to develop a SEA LAB, I am very into exploring the unknown and pulling inspiration from coral reefs to ocean floors across the globe! How sick would that be?! Let's see what develops through the digital space I am a part of abroad. I’m deeply inspired by the beauty and mystery of the underwater world and I envision future series especially where I am living on the coast blending art, science, and technology to engage people in these environments in my future works. I began to experiment with underwater cameras in Mallorca. I want people to experience the ocean in an intimate way, encouraging a connection that goes beyond visual beauty—a connection that fosters a sense of responsibility and love for the ocean. The wheels are rolling there.

Large Scale installations would excite me for the future! A formative moment for me was diving in Mexico’s cenotes, where I witnessed light reflections dancing across the water’s surface when we projected flashlights on the water. This sparked the idea of a space where people can walk across water, interacting with natural projections and light. I want to create these ethereal environments, where nature becomes a medium for self-reflection and connection. The goal is to inspire a visceral experience that highlights the importance of preservation and brings people closer to the elements. People and water play a big role in the themes of my series.

Another idea/installation I’m excited to explore is a video series called “Still Dreaming.” This would involve interviewing people about the stories they see when they hear music, and then projecting their imagined music videos into reality. Imagine walking through immersive cubes where music and projections blend, guiding you through a dreamlike journey. It’s a celebration of imagination and creativity, a chance to tap into the subconscious and experience music in new, unexpected ways.

Ultimately, I’m a dreamer, and my goal is to inspire others to dream alongside me. Let’s dream together, share in the magic, and create experiences that stir our hearts, ignite our passions, and remind us of the beauty and power of the world around us.

GET IN TOUCH WITH CADENCE

hookscadence@gmail.com

www.cadencehooks.com

@thebushwitch @cadencehooksstudio