Eighty-eight-year-old Christine Hazell is redefining what it means to be an artist with her vibrant and captivating drawings, which have taken the world by storm. Her journey began six months ago, after her sister Gaby discovered a stash of coloured pencils and drawing pads left behind by their children. Gaby encouraged Hazell to try copying family photos, and before long, she had produced over 200 drawings that showcase her unique style and perspective.
Hazell's art is not just about rendering perfect likenesses; it's also about giving her subjects new faces, as she likes to disrupt the perfection of the original images. Her process is one of freedom and expression, unencumbered by self-consciousness or fear of failure. It's a testament to the fact that creativity knows no bounds, and that it can emerge at any age.
The story of Christine Hazell has captured the hearts of many, including renowned artist Tracey Emin, Pulitzer prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz, and Tate Britain's director Alex Farquharson. Her drawings have inspired collaborations with UK gallerists, including Florencia Clifford and her partner Hugo Hildyard, who will showcase her work under the title "Different Faces" at Partisan in York.
Hazell's art is being hailed as a triumph of outsider art, characterized by its raw purity and lack of commercial motivation. Mark Ibson, owner-curator of East Yorkshire's Blacksmith's Shop, has already scheduled an exhibition for August 2026, where Hazell's drawings will take pride of place alongside other notable works.
Matthew Higgs, Christine's son and a prominent curator, publisher, and gallerist, discovered her talent online. He was struck by the significance of these drawings, made by someone who had never drawn before in their life. For Higgs, it vindicates the idea that we are all inherently creative, and that with time, encouragement, and resources, creativity can flourish at any age.
Hazell's story is a reminder that art knows no limits and that it can bring people together like nothing else. As Higgs says, "It only gets more interesting," as Hazell continues to explore the world of art with renewed confidence and purpose.
Hazell's art is not just about rendering perfect likenesses; it's also about giving her subjects new faces, as she likes to disrupt the perfection of the original images. Her process is one of freedom and expression, unencumbered by self-consciousness or fear of failure. It's a testament to the fact that creativity knows no bounds, and that it can emerge at any age.
The story of Christine Hazell has captured the hearts of many, including renowned artist Tracey Emin, Pulitzer prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz, and Tate Britain's director Alex Farquharson. Her drawings have inspired collaborations with UK gallerists, including Florencia Clifford and her partner Hugo Hildyard, who will showcase her work under the title "Different Faces" at Partisan in York.
Hazell's art is being hailed as a triumph of outsider art, characterized by its raw purity and lack of commercial motivation. Mark Ibson, owner-curator of East Yorkshire's Blacksmith's Shop, has already scheduled an exhibition for August 2026, where Hazell's drawings will take pride of place alongside other notable works.
Matthew Higgs, Christine's son and a prominent curator, publisher, and gallerist, discovered her talent online. He was struck by the significance of these drawings, made by someone who had never drawn before in their life. For Higgs, it vindicates the idea that we are all inherently creative, and that with time, encouragement, and resources, creativity can flourish at any age.
Hazell's story is a reminder that art knows no limits and that it can bring people together like nothing else. As Higgs says, "It only gets more interesting," as Hazell continues to explore the world of art with renewed confidence and purpose.
she's proof that you're never too old to discover your creative side & unleash your inner artist! her drawings are so captivating & unique, it's like you can see the freedom & expression in every line 
her story is an inspiration to anyone who's ever felt like they don't quite fit the mold 
her drawings are not just pictures, they're stories, they're feelings, they're freedom! i love how she's breaking all the rules and creating something entirely new, without worrying about what others think. it's like she's tapping into this deep well of creativity inside herself and sharing it with the world. and you know what's even cooler? that she started doing this at 88 years old, when most people are slowing down! 
it just goes to show that art is for everyone, no matter how young or old we are 
. It's amazing how something as simple as coloured pencils and drawing pads can unlock someone's inner creativity at any age. Her "different faces" concept is genius – it's like she's taking a page from her own life story and reimagining it through art 
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. She's not trying to create some perfect, polished masterpiece; she's just letting go and embracing her imperfections 
. And that's something we can all relate to, right? It's a reminder that creativity is for everyone, regardless of age or experience.
! And who knows, maybe she'll inspire a whole new generation of creatives to pursue their passions, no matter how old they get 
.
But what really gets me is how this story is being spun as some kind of 'elderly artist breaks free' narrative. Newsflash: we've all had hobbies and passions at various points in our lives! 
I am totally loving Christine Hazell's art right now! 
️. Her unique style and perspective are giving me all the feels 
. I'm so down for "Different Faces" at Partisan in York - can't wait to check it out! 
The fact that her art is being hailed as outsider art is so inspiring... who says creativity has to be tied to age or experience? 
... And don't even get me started on the whole "outsider art" thing - isn't that just code for "I didn't have formal training and therefore my work is 'raw'?" 
... But hey, if people are into it, I guess it's cool 
. Matthew Higgs says she vindicates the idea that we're all inherently creative? Uh, yeah right... unless you're a total amateur like me who can barely draw a stick figure 
... The only thing that's interesting is how much money this is gonna make for her family and their gallery friends 
with her crazy colorful drawings!!! she started doin them just 6 months ago after her sister found some old colored pencils and stuff 
. that's what i call creativity!
, just a regular person who loves to draw. it's like, yeah, we can all do that! 
. I mean, who needs experience or formal training when you've got passion and creativity on your side? It's all about embracing imperfection and having fun with the process 
. And I love how she's disrupting traditional notions of art by giving her subjects new faces – it's like a breath of fresh air 
! The fact that Tracey Emin, Jerry Saltz, and Alex Farquharson are among her biggest fans is just a testament to her unique talent 
The fact that her son Matthew found her talent online just shows how accessible art should be – everyone deserves a chance to express themselves. This is exactly what I love about art: it brings people together and inspires us all to tap into our inner creative selves