Events

With this new body of work, Ina Johann playfully combines her local observations and experiments around Stoddart Cottage and Banks Peninsula with drawing and painterly interventions. She has a keen interest in geological forms, flora and the observation of living things around her, especially lichen and fungi. She likes to explore the fringes and boundaries, where natural and urban habitats meet.

The spaces cracked open establish and demand their very own visual language. Pieces of local rock or minute specimens find pairing with an open-ended intervention through drawing and watercolour. In her work, bold fragments and tiny residues are at play to create what she calls ‘new territory’. Johann likes to dig, reveal and release something unruly; the in-between and less predictable spaces in life. Perhaps, something that we can discover, be drawn to, be puzzled by, or even be provoked by.

Johann is a keen wanderer and bird lover. She spends as much time as she can in the New Zealand bush and loves exploring areas close to home. Castle Hill, Hinewai, the Banks Peninsula and the Eastern Bays are areas where she loves to go for walks, photographing, absorbing and zooming into the environment; slowing down and being surprised by the magic of it. Ina’s decision to settle and grow roots here in Ōtautahi/Aotearoa has consequently re-shaped and expanded her thinking and influenced her art practice. She lives and works in Matuku Takotako/Sumner.

Ina has been Artist in Residence in France, Switzerland, Scotland and most recently the Volcanic artist residency in Whakatane with her long-time collaborator Dr. Victoria Edwards. She has an extensive exhibition history (solo, group and collaborative exhibitions) in both, her individual and collaborative practice (Edwards + Johann). She’s been recipient of a number of prestigious awards and has been finalist in all major New Zealand Art Awards. Some of the professional highlights are: Molly Morpeth Canaday Award (E+J: Highly Commended 2017), Parking Drawing Prize (IJ: Merit Award 2022, 2020, 2016 and E+J: Merit Award 2020, 2018), New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award (E+J: Supreme Winner 2016), The Margaret Stoddart Art Award (E+J: Highly commended 2008 and Supreme winner in 2009), Wallace Art Awards (E+J and IJ finalists).
Stoddart Cottage is open 10am-4pm Fridays, Saturday and Sundays