LISA GINGLES

Irish Visual Artist Based in Valencia

Artistic Background and Cultural Influences

Lisa Gingles, an Irish visual artist based in Valencia, Spain since 1998, was born in Northern Ireland in 1974 and trained in Fine Arts at Ulster University. Her art reflects a nomadic lifestyle shaped by encounters with diverse cultures and traditions—resulting in a heterogeneous body of work where mixed techniques and materials are a defining feature.

Themes of Identity, Memory, and Transformation

Gingles draws inspiration from travel, memories, folklore, and mythology. Her works—often melancholic and evocative—explore themes such as identity, the passage of time, and personal transformation. Faceless portraits, dreamlike landscapes, and mythological beings populate her imaginative universe, encouraging viewers to step into a world where reality and fantasy coexist.

A Multidisciplinary and Symbolic Approach

Using a wide range of materials and techniques—from drawing and collage to sculpture—Gingles creates works that defy traditional artistic classifications. Her compositions are deeply symbolic, inviting contemplation on the human condition, memory, and time’s inevitable passage.

“Downward Spiral” – A Sculptural Exploration of the Psyche

A notable piece, “Downward Spiral,” features a large porcelain head adorned with a mask-like visage. The mask, crafted from polymer clay, depicts a humanoid pig with crystalline eyes and delicate tribal-inspired pink tones. Its haunting gaze invites viewers to confront feelings of alienation, disconnection, and the darker aspects of the self.

The title, Downward Spiral, evokes a psychological descent into the unconscious mind, offering a highly introspective and personal viewing experience. This striking sculpture exemplifies Gingles’ ability to merge material, symbolism, and emotion into a deeply engaging artistic expression.