Karena de Pont is a visual artist whose body of work is an assemblage of different expressions from abstract acrylic paintings through to contemporary oil paintings, to sculpture, and more; whatever works best to bring her vision to life. Whatever the medium used, colour, texture, and the interplay of light are always a consideration in her work.

Covid lockdowns forced Karena to look at what she had at home that could be used as a foundation for her paintings and this exploration is the starting point for three series of work:
BURNT OFFERING series uses charred recycled cedar boards made up into panels for her abstract acrylic paintings which transition with the application of intense heat, causing paint to bubble, colours to shift and the cedar boards to crackle and char. This metamorphosis is a testimony to sacrifice, transition, and transformation, echoing burnt offerings in the past.
ISLANDS series use recycled pine batons in this mixed media 2D wall hung sculptures. This series celebrates what islands mean to us in Aotearoa New Zealand.
EARTH STICKS sculptural series uses painted bamboo poles in juxtaposition to the natural environment. These works are installed outside amongst Aotearoa's flora and fauna. The graphic drawings speak to our human nature to embellish our environments and are often installed in a group so each Earth Stick speaks to another as humans do when we gather together.
FLUID series started with stacks of photo paper accumulated over years of buying printers. This series of acrylic ink works represents a conscious effort to relinquish control and embrace the untamed. It

Karena is based in Mahurangi West, north of Auckland, New Zealand. For all enquiries regarding her art practice, work, or commissions, please contact her directly.