Ngahina Belton-Bodsworth

My practice explores personal trauma and displacement as a bicultural artist through the practice of mixed media painting. Using abstract methods with intuitive application, I intend to create tension between a gestural expression and realistic representation.

I include surrealist methodologies and personal iconography to explore my own inner world, pulling from memories and feelings to create a chaotic and multi-dimensional narrative around the figure and constructed environments.   

It is important to me to reference an amalgamation of both nature with the built environment, a meditation on being with and healing in relation to what surrounds us. In this context I also explore the concept of safety, home, discomfort, comfort, chaos and calm.

A contrast of aspects as well as unexpected harmonies played out on canvas. My aim is to show vulnerability as a necessity, viewing an ability to allow oneself to be vulnerable as a key part of the healing process.