Sanderson Contemporary Reveals Newest Addition to Its Stable

Loren Marks joins Auckland Gallery.

Words: Erin Irwin

Auckland’s Sanderson Contemporary has snapped up local artist Loren Marks, whose mysterious figurative paintings will be at home amongst the gallery’s already impressive lineup. After spending many years as a print designer, Marks has returned to the world of art with a rich and ethereal approach to her medium.

Often taking a spontaneous approach to mark-making, Marks describes her practice as “ritualistic”, with her subjects slowly revealing themselves through layers of paint. Her figures evade identification, emerging from soft planes of colour as spectres of light and mood. This ambiguity draws the viewer in, encouraging a meditative state similar to that experienced by the artist as she creates them.

The artist has joined Sanderson Contemporary following a solo show held with the gallery in 2023. The artist received the Whitecliffe College of Art and Design top student award whilst studying for her undergraduate degree, and has exhibited across New Zealand and Australia.

Sanderson Contemporary has wasted no time, and is currently presenting works by the artist, on show until February 18.

This article was posted 31 January 2024.

Image: Loren Marks in her studio. Courtesy: the artist and Sanderson Contemporary, Auckland.

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