Ngaio Lenz’ work reflects nostalgia for the discarded; a reclamation of the past lives of found objects.
Informed by the natural processes of weather, time, cause and effect, Lenz celebrates the beauty of a well-worn surface and an aesthetic of imperfection. Her works are developed as visceral responses to her environment, ambiguous organic forms emerge from a play on negative and positive space; balancing, teetering, barely touching yet she creates tension between the shapes. The varied materials she uses are subjected to layering, peeling, scraping, scratching, heat and abrasion, in a similar way in which the earth’s surface is exposed to the elements of fire, wind and water. Lenz’ process is equally accidental and purposeful, intuitive and thoughtful. As paint is applied, then scratched and scraped back, a narrative is generated and a layering of history is revealed.
Ngaio is represented by Gallery Smith, Melbourne Australia.
