EPHRAIM — Granary Arts is pleased to present two compelling new exhibitions that explore the interplay of materiality, perception, and human existence. Featuring works by Shalee Cooper and Kristina Lenzi, these exhibitions invite viewers into immersive visual experiences that challenge conventional artistic norms.

IN VARIATION / SHALEE COOPER

Shalee Cooper’s “In Variation” delves into the boundaries between minimalism and conceptual abstraction. Her large-scale compositions feature a restrained palette of natural linen, black, white, and tan, emphasizing materiality and subtle tonal shifts. Cooper’s approach aligns with the minimalist philosophy of “truth to materials,” allowing the canvas itself to become a central part of the artistic expression.

A hallmark of Cooper’s work is the absence of fixed orientations–her canvases can be arranged in multiple ways, disrupting traditional hierarchies and inviting an ever-evolving viewer experience. This fluidity transforms each installation into a dynamic exploration of balance and perception.

About the artist

Shalee Cooper is a Salt Lake City-based interdisciplinary artist, curator, and arts advocate. She has worked internationally in cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam and has exhibited in institutions such as the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and Ogden Contemporary Arts. She is the director and curator at Modern West Fine Art, where she fosters artistic collaboration and community engagement.

WOMBS / KRISTINA LENZI

Kristina Lenzi’s “Wombs” investigates the complexities of human existence through the lens of gestation and transformation. Her work examines the womb as both a physical and metaphysical space, raising profound questions about its role in development, protection, and potential discord.

Imagining the experience of gestation through memory and artistic inquiry, Lenzi envisions an immersive, rhythmic environment dominated by the maternal heartbeat. Her work invites contemplation of birth as a pivotal moment of liberation and self-discovery.

About the artist

Kristina Lenzi is an interdisciplinary artist with a background in painting and performance art. She has exhibited across the United States and Europe, with notable appearances in Brooklyn, Boston, Warsaw, and France. Lenzi is the founder of the Salt Lake City Performance Art Festival and a recipient of the Tanne Foundation Award. She currently teaches visual art at City Academy Charter School and Weber State University.

Exhibition information

Both exhibitions will be on display at Granary Arts in Ephraim. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the works, exploring their evolving forms and conceptual depth. For more information, visit Granary Arts at https://www.granaryarts.org.