[NoHo Arts District, CA] – This month’s LA Art blog features Navigating Dreamscapes: Ann Diener’s “The Invented Land” at MOAH: Museum of Art and History.
Ann Diener, an artist renowned for her delicate manipulation of materials and her penchant for exploring the deeper recesses of human experience, has created a remarkable body of work with “The Invented Land.” Her approach is nothing short of alchemical, transforming commonplace elements into intricate narratives that dance between abstraction and representation. Diener is a Southern California descendent of a farming family, and engages with land and the constant state of change (particularly water control as it relates to the growing population).
At first glance, the exhibition is an elaborate visual feast. Diener’s pieces are a mélange of vibrant tapestries, sculptural installations, and multimedia components that converge to construct an environment both alluring and disorienting. Each work is a portal into a realm that feels at once ancient and futuristic, intimate and vast—a space that could only exist within the confines of Diener’s imaginative prowess.
Central to “The Invented Land” is Diener’s use of layered textures and intricate patterns, which serve as a metaphorical landscape where the viewer’s imagination can roam freely. The artist employs a rich palette that evokes a sense of nostalgia while also suggesting a futuristic vision. The juxtaposition of old-world aesthetics with avant-garde techniques creates a tension that is both invigorating and contemplative.
“The Invented Land” marks a significant evolution in Diener’s oeuvre, pushing the envelope of contemporary art through her distinctive vision and innovative techniques. Known for her ability to blend intricate detail with expansive themes, Diener has once again captivated audiences with an exhibition that invites viewers into a meticulously constructed world where every element serves as a bridge between the known and the unknown.
Diener’s exploration of organic forms and surreal compositions creates an immersive experience that is both enchanting and unsettling. The organic subjects and seemingly random arrangement of elements challenge the viewer to confront their own interpretations of order and chaos. Not unlike the very change that impacts landscapes and people in California today.
Diener’s multimedia approach raises notions of identity, memory, and existence are explored through the lens of artistic innovation. In her artist’s statement, Diener reflects on the inspiration behind “The Invented Land”: “This exhibition is a manifestation of the landscapes that dwell within our minds—the places where our dreams and memories intertwine. My aim is to create an environment where viewers can immerse themselves in these invented spaces and engage with their own inner worlds.”
MOAH Lancaster, with its spacious and modern architecture, provides an ideal setting for Diener’s expansive vision. The museum’s commitment to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking art is exemplified in this exhibition, which aligns perfectly with its mission to foster a dialogue between art and audience.
Artist:
Ann Diener
Exhibition:
“The Invented Land”
May 11 – August 11, 2024
Location:
665 W. Lancaster, Blvd., Lancaster, CA 93534
Hours:
Tuesday and Wednesday | 11am to 4pm
Thursday | 11am to 8pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday| 11am to 4pm