Jennifer Mason: The Boundary of the Intelligible

About the Exhibition

The Boundary of the Intelligible features a new exploration of colour for Jennifer Mason who usually focuses solely on the figure as subject. This exhibition sees a new development where the state of reverie for the figures extends out into their surroundings. In earlier works, the artist selected professional models and acquaintances, resulting in paintings that resonated with the intimacy of portraiture.

More recently, however, the artist has turned to the rich legacy of the Western art canon, drawing directly from its depictions of the human form. Iconic figures are lifted from their original contexts and reimagined within vibrant, prismatic fields of colour where gravity behaves differently. Where bodies ascend, weightless and untethered.

Freed from specific identities or moments, these figures exist outside of time and place. They are both familiar and archetypal, less personal, yet more universally resonant. Through this transformation, these familiar symbols are imbued with renewed vitality, recontextualized into narratives that speak of joy, exuberance, and possibility.

A motivation in these explorations was to relieve the body of its weight, to find a way where form could dissolve into its surroundings. Using inventive techniques of colour blending and tone matching the figures have lost their gravity and have become even more peaceful and free.

Jewel tones of azul and emerald seas and golden sunsets evoke Impressionist explorations of colour, while the monochromatic figure remains in a state of quiet contemplation. Inspired by Plotinus, the exhibition reflects on the soul’s position at the boundary between the physical and intelligible realms—the horizon as a symbol of longing, where knowledge and truth remain just beyond reach.

Serene and meditative, The Boundary of the Intelligible offers a space for reflection and tranquillity, celebrating light, space, and the beauty of peaceful contemplation.

About the Artist

Jennifer Mason lives and paints in Tāmaki Makaurau. She graduated with a BFA from Elam and a BA in Women’s Studies from UOA in 2004, this was completed on exchange at SUNY in New York. She then completed a PGDip at Elam in 2013 and worked towards a Master of Art at Glasgow School of Art in 2015. She is currently studying part time towards a Degree in Theology at the University of Notre Dame.

Her oil paintings are centred around the nude as taken from art history, which float in seascapes. The paintings are technically refined, delicate and are light of touch. They are peaceful and serene and not designed to shock or agitate

jennifermason.org | @jennifer_mason_mason

Exhibition Opening: Dominic Blaazer Performance

Navigating and sustaining a satisfying creative lifestyle within the constraints of daily life frequently places us at the boundaries of the intelligible. It is often hard to know what makes sense. Dominic Blaazer will be performing textural electronic musical accompaniment to complement Jennifer Mason’s work and resonate in the DEPOT gallery. 

About Dominic Blaazer

Born and raised in Jamaica, schooled in London then matured in Auckland, Dominic is a lifelong musician/songwriter/performer. Playing to support his last solo album, “The Lights of Te Atatu”, Dom has played solo, with his band or orchestra and has also played with The Chills, Don McGlashan, The Clean, Rodriguez, Goldenhorse, SJD, John Rowles and The Topp Twins among many others. Dom has also taught innumerable music-students at Devonport’s own St. Leo’s Catholic School for over a decade. 

Reviews for his album of chamber-pop were unanimously positive: 

“The songs … they sound like classics, fearless and perfect.” Nick Bollinger, RadioNZ 

“He makes those lights seem magical and resonant … fine songs.” Graham Reid, elsewhere.co.nz“ 

“Dominic Blaazer is a formidable songwriter.” Marty Duda, 13th Floor. 

“Gorgeous arrangements make this record so very special. Your heart might just break.” Grant Smithies, Sunday Star Times