Nansi T. Lent is a distinguished painter and photographer based in Rhinebeck, NY. With a B.A. in Studio Art from Boston College and a Master’s in Visual Arts Administration from NYU, Lent’s artistic journey has been one of transformation and exploration. Initially working as a photographer, she later turned to painting as a deeply personal and cathartic means of expression. Over time, photography has evolved into a medium through which she reinterprets and reimagines her painted works, forming a dynamic interplay between the two disciplines.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Lent has exhibited extensively throughout New York’s Hudson Valley and beyond, showcasing her work at esteemed institutions such as the Katonah Museum of Art, the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum, and Goggleworks. Her pieces have garnered multiple awards and are held in private collections across the United States and Europe. In addition to her artistic practice, she is a dedicated advocate for women in the arts. She is currently on the board of the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum in Woodstock, NY. She also previously served on the board of the National Association of Women Artists for a year and a half. Lent is currently represented by BAU Gallery in Beacon, where her work continues to captivate audiences.
The Visual Poetry of Asemic Writing
At the heart of Lent’s practice is an exploration of illegible text as a form of visual language that transcends conventional words. Her work delves into the realm of asemic writing—marks and symbols that suggest meaning without being explicitly readable—creating layered, immersive compositions that invite introspection. Through a meticulous and meditative process, she fuses painting and photography to evoke the vibrational energy of thought, emotion, and spirit.
Lent’s art speaks to the universal human search for connection in an era of fragmented communication. In a world echoing the myth of Babel, where language often divides more than it unites, her work serves as a bridge—a visual symphony that resonates with viewers on a profound, subconscious level. By embracing abstraction and ambiguity, Lent challenges us to engage beyond the surface, discovering meaning in the rhythm of her strokes, the depth of her layers, and the silence between symbols.
A Fusion of Process and Medium
Lent’s creative process is deeply intuitive, blending various techniques to develop compositions that shift between structure and spontaneity. In her paintings, she layers washes of color, gestural marks, and hints of written language that hover between form and dissolution. Her photography, in turn, captures ephemeral textures, light patterns, and reimagined versions of her painted works, transforming them into new visual narratives. The dialogue between her two mediums results in a body of work that is fluid and ever-evolving.
Her use of asemic writing reflects the human inclination to seek meaning even in the absence of traditional linguistic structure. The gestural nature of her marks mimics the act of writing yet remains unbound by specific words, allowing viewers to interpret and connect with the work on an intuitive level. This tension between legibility and abstraction mirrors the complexities of communication, thought, and memory.
Inspiration and Artistic Philosophy
Lent’s work is deeply influenced by the notion of universal communication beyond verbal expression. She draws inspiration from ancient scripts, calligraphy, and the inherent rhythm found in both nature and human cognition. Her practice is rooted in an ongoing dialogue with the subconscious, allowing emotion and instinct to shape the visual elements of her work. The meditative quality of her process invites both the artist and the viewer into a contemplative space, where meaning is fluid and ever-shifting.
Impact on the Art Community
Beyond her individual artistic practice, Lent’s commitment to supporting women in the arts has left a significant impact on the creative community. By founding Womenswork.art, she created a space that uplifts female artists, providing opportunities for exhibition and collaboration. Although she has stepped away from its direct management, the gallery continues to thrive under the leadership of Nikki Hung, carrying forward her vision of artistic inclusivity.
Her influence extends beyond her immediate community, as her work continues to inspire dialogue about language, abstraction, and the ways in which art can serve as a universal means of connection. By blending her passion for advocacy with her artistic vision, Lent has become a significant voice in contemporary art, particularly within the realms of experimental painting and photography.
Conclusion: A Continuing Evolution
Through her unique approach to painting and photography, Nansi T. Lent continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression. Her work resonates with a broad audience, inviting contemplation, emotion, and a deep engagement with the visual language she creates. By blending the personal with the universal, Lent offers a powerful reminder of the ways in which art can transcend words, opening new pathways to understanding and connection. As she continues to evolve and explore new creative frontiers, her work remains a testament to the power of visual language in an increasingly complex world.
