(b 1991New Zealand. Lives and works in London)
Mertens’ work is influenced by popular culture, advertising language and colour theory. Simplicity is at the core as he depicts everyday moments through a cinematic lens. Much of his inspiration comes from complicated memories of his homeland.
“In the studio, I tap into moments from my past through researching music, advertisements, films, cultural events and art from New Zealand,” he says, “The personal moments that come to the fore through this process are of the everyday, however, the emotional weight has shifted, and it is this that I attempt to capture through making.”
