HART_SPACE EP.04: Hans

Meet Hans Kek: HIV researcher by day, wearable body horror artist by night, and absolute proof that a scientific brain and a creative one don't just coexist — they collide spectacularly.

Born in Singapore, raised across Melbourne's suburbs, Hans spent years studying macrophages and HIV at the Burnett Institute before moonlighting as the mastermind behind some of Naarm's most unforgettable queer costuming. You might know his work from Barba's Halloween competitions, the Wicked-themed poppers bottles, or simply the experience of not knowing whether to be turned on or terrified — which, for the record, is exactly the vibe he's going for.

In this episode, Hans and I get into the philosophy of creativity as a muscle (not a budget), why limitation breeds the good stuff, how growing up with demanding Asian parents and a church community accidentally made him one of the most free-thinking, unhinged-in-the-best-way artists in the scene, and why he refuses to monetise his joy.

Also: a $2.80 Daiso eyeshadow palette that has been doing the absolute most for years, A cow costume with functional udders, And the spiritual truth that anything — anything — can be a material if you believe.

This one's for every creative who's ever talked themselves out of starting. Don't. Just start small and build.

HART_SPACE is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation — Traditional Custodians whose sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Born from the dancefloor, for queer community — HART_SPACE is hosted by Glenergy, bringing you long-form conversations with queer creatives, thinkers and trailblazers. Each episode dives into their practice, their journey, and the power of spaces where we can all truly belong.

Because queer stories beat louder than the bassline.