Nina Mankin (British/German , born 1975)
Two Untitled Works, from Plant Pots Series
Two pastels on paper, 2020, each signed with the artist's initials and dated in pencil, each further numbered 1/1 in pencil on the reverse of the frames, the full sheets, framed

Sheets 145 x 195mm (5 3/4 x 7 5/8in)(and similar)(2)
Footnotes:
Graduating from Herefordshire college of art & design with a first class degree in craft design/sculpture, these black and white works are a detour from Nina's usual mixed media sculptural installations, that utilise found objects, and a rich tapestry of symbolism, and theatricality.

A residency in France in 2019, in an old derelict & neglected house, brought about a very different style of working. Without Mankin's tools, materials and collection of objects and images, she began to consider the idea of 'what makes a home?'

The artist started collecting basic utilitarian objects such as kitchen utensils, plants and vases to adorn the empty rooms and made playful sketches and colourful pastel works of these household items.

During lockdown, Nina was again away from her studio, and living on a building site for a big house renovation project. The theme of 'what makes a home' came up again. With her possession in boxes for a long time, she added just a few personal items, to make an otherwise hostile place, feel homely. These comprised of mainly plants and some kitchen utensils.

The works have been stripped back to clean spacious lines, that reflect a desire for uncomplicated simplicity and order, contrary to her chaotic surroundings.

In very good original condition. Unexamined out of the frame. Float-mounted to the backing board.