towards vitality

In a profound exploration of strength, vulnerability, and self-discovery, Lisa Dengler’s latest series of paintings emerges from a transformative journey through personal challenge. Created during a time when Dengler faced the immense test of a physical illness, these works are a testament to her profound confrontation with her body, its limitations, and its untapped reservoirs of resilience.

Each canvas reflects a moment of discovery—a dialogue between the artist’s inner world and the external forces that shaped her healing process. The bold, yet tender brushstrokes invite the viewer into a space where pain becomes an unlikely companion to personal growth. Dengler’s work poignantly portrays the delicate balance between fragility and strength, capturing the raw beauty of the human spirit as it learns to care for itself, move forward, and thrive.

The color palettes are deeply emotional, shifting between somber tones and vibrant bursts of energy that signify the artist’s ongoing journey toward renewal. Through these paintings, Dengler invites us to experience her journey of becoming, not just surviving, but flourishing despite adversity.

These works transcend mere reflection—they are acts of defiance, proof of the healing power of creativity, and a celebration of the body’s ability to reclaim its agency. Lisa Dengler’s paintings do not just tell a story of illness—they embody the power of transformation, the beauty of self-care, and the unwavering strength to continue, no matter the hurdles in our path.

In Dengler's words:

in one of the most defining moments of my life, news of an illness led me inwards. from introspection and reflection, to fight and pause, to recovery and creation. i re-discovered my own strength, fueled by my inner self, my desire to live in the moment and my desire to create. i centered these last 6 months of my life around taking care of my physical body and taking care of my physical mind. a physical body requires rules, but is rather straightforward. a physical mind is more complex, however, when you have found your purpose in life, this beautiful and vital life energy is easy to come by. creating these 21 paintings, in my living room, guided my healing over these past 21 weeks, and now they are ready to expand their energy into the world, beyond my own little life.