Olivia Meurk & Leon Wan – A Sense of Place

Manna Gallery presents A Sense of Place, featuring Olivia Meurk and Leon Wan, showcasing Meurk’s meditative and educational exploration of the natural world and Wan’s dynamic blend of collage and sculpture that reflects the everyday.

Olivia Meurk’s work delves into the natural world, inspired by her love for biology, particularly Conchology, Botany, and Geology. Her art-making is both a meditative and educational journey, encouraging engagement with nature. Each piece in her Observations; Diary series captures the essence of the places she has observed over recent years, reflecting the love and care she has encountered. Through meticulous observational drawing, Meurk aims to convey her reciprocal affection, inviting viewers to share in her appreciation and curiosity for nature’s intricate beauty.

Leon Wan’s artwork explores themes of observation, landscape, and the everyday. Using a mix of precise and unpredictable visuals, he captures moments through a kaleidoscopic lens. Wan combines found materials with fine art supplies, creating a dynamic interplay of chaos and calm. His work reflects a personal mental landscape, filled with distorted yet meaningful depictions of life. This approach results in pieces that are messy, chaotic, and melancholic, yet also calming and liberating, inviting viewers into a space for conversation and reflection.

July 27 – Sept 7, 2024
Artists’ Reception & Talk: Saturday, August 10, 2-4 pm
Open First Fridays: Aug 2 & Sept 6, 5-8 pm
Gallery Hours: Saturdays, 12-5 pm & First Fridays, 5-8 pm