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Penelope Civil describes a mysterious dynamism in the artistic process. Her observation reflective of the playful unpredictability of paint, chance and artistic intent that is present in her process. In Fluid Contradictions, the paintings explore how different rhythms may coexist in pictorial space. The work can be seen to visualise the rhythms of colour passages, gradients or atmospheric spaces in conversation with more active mark-making. Contextually these applications of paint reveal a visual connection with Abstract Expressionism, a movement noted for colour field and action or gestural painting. However, there is a contemporariness in the collaging together of differences and contradictions. That is echoed not only in the multiple concerns within daily life, but also finds an alignment with philosophical ideas that seeks to embrace inclusivity, diversity and the multiplicity of perspectives.

Penelope Civil was born in Aotearoa, New Zealand. She has spent significant periods living in both Europe and Asia. Her art education has included study and research in both figurative and abstract painting. She has a Diploma in Fine Arts (2009) from Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore, a Bachelor of Visual Arts from Auckland University of Technology, (2021) (Distinction) and a Master of Fine Arts, from Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland, (2022) (First Class Honours). She is a member of the Railway Street Gallery Artist Collective. In 2025 she was a finalist in the Waikato Society of Arts 2025 Painting and Printmaking Award.

Website: www.penelopecivil.net
Instagram: Penelope_civil_ art