My Journey as Kiki: A Legacy of Art and Love, the Early Years

The artist, Kiki Hamann as a toddler.

From the moment I was born, I’ve been called Kiki. Very rarely has anyone used my given name—Kiki has always been who I am, a nickname that feels more like my true identity. It’s a name that carries with it the warmth of my childhood, the laughter of family, and the indelible memories of the person who shaped me into the artist I am today: my grandfather, Hugo.

Hugo was of Danish descent and spent much of his life in Europe, including time in Belgium, which deeply influenced his artistic soul. When he settled in Brazil, he named his house La Maison du Peintre—French for “The House of the Painter”—a nod to his European roots and his lifelong devotion to art. That house became the backdrop of some of my most cherished memories, where the smell of turpentine and oil paints filled the air as my grandfather mixed colors with a careful, practiced hand.

Granfather Hugo

I can still picture those days so vividly: sitting beside him in the garden, the sun filtering through the trees, as he taught me everything he knew about painting. He showed me how to mix colors to capture the perfect shade of a sunset, how to compose a scene so it felt alive, and the different styles of painting that could bring a canvas to life. But he didn’t stop there—Hugo was a storyteller, and through him, I learned the rich tapestry of art history. He’d tell me about the Impressionists, the Renaissance masters, and the Danish painters who came before us, their stories as vibrant as the colors on his palette. Those lessons weren’t just about art; they were about connection, heritage, and love.

I’m speaking to you now with tears in my eyes, overwhelmed by the beauty of those days. I’ll never forget the feeling of my tiny toddler hand holding a paintbrush, guided by Hugo’s steady, weathered hand, as we worked on an oil painting of a nature scene together. The canvas in front of us would slowly transform—trees, skies, and fields coming to life under our brushes. Those moments are etched into my heart, a reminder of the bond we shared and the lessons he imparted.

La Maison du Peintre

Kiki paints

Art runs deep in our family—it’s part of who we are. Hugo’s sister was a painter, his brother too, and I grew up surrounded by creativity. From the second I came into this world, painting has been in my blood, a legacy passed down through generations. I’m so grateful for Hugo, for La Maison du Peintre, and for the way those days shaped me. They’re a part of me, just as Kiki will always be.

Looking back, I realize how much those early days with Hugo still influence me. Every time I pick up a paintbrush, I feel his presence—his gentle guidance, his passion for art, and the love he poured into every stroke. Painting isn’t just a skill I learned; it’s a connection to my family, to my heritage, and to the little girl I was, sitting in the garden of La Maison du Peintre, dreaming in colors.