Hanien graduated in architecture from the University of Port Elizabeth and University of Cape Town in 1994. During her high school art training, she obtained many awards and exhibited in a selected national art exhibition for high school students. This passion for visual art was maintained throughout her career as interior architect, through attending various courses and workshops at University of Stellenbosch, University of Cape Town, Ruth Prowse School of Art, Spencer Street Studios, Greatmore Studios and Vicky Thomas's Botanical Art School.

In 2004 Hanien joined the Spencer Street Studios to study painting and drawing. What was intended as a year sabbatical, became through a steady influx of commissions, a full time career.
Currently Hanien creates unique works for private clients and galleries.

Hanien furthermore creates interior spaces for selected clients, she does illustrations and teaches private students from her studio in De Waterkant, Cape Town.

Most of the work seen on this website has been created as commissions for private clients.
Group Exhibition: Vuleka at AVA Bellville - 2005
Spencer Street Studios Exhibition - 2007
The Summer Fine Art Fair at Bay Hotel; Camps Bay – 2008
The Bay Hotel Summer Exhibition; Camps Bay - 2009/2010
Dorp Street Gallery Stellenbosch 2010
Casa Labia Gallery Muizenberg 2010