Florescence Exhibition by Lori Pensini
Flowers have long held cultural and emotional significance, conveying meaning through the language of floriography. In Florescence, Lori Pensini combines native southwest Australian flora, including banksia, wattle and everlastings, with the human form. These striking works use flowers as powerful metaphors for strength, resilience, transformation and our deep connection to the natural world.
The exhibition title, Florescence, derives from the Latin flōrēscentia, meaning "to flourish" or "to thrive", reflecting the themes of growth, vitality and renewal that run throughout the collection.
An artist for over 25 years, Lori has developed a distinctive painting style shaped by a deep connection to place and family. Her figurative works, frequently centred on female subjects, have earned recognition in some of Australia’s most respected art awards, including the Doug Moran Portrait Prize, the Black Swan Prize and the 2025 Collie Art Prize.
Raised on her family's farm at Yilliminning in Western Australia's Wheatbelt, Lori developed an early affinity with the land that was further enriched during her years working as a jillaroo on her husband's family cattle station in the Pilbara. Lori lives and works near Boyup, where she and her husband manage a regenerative farming property and where her studio is situated.
Florescence will be on display at the Manjimup Art Gallery from 7 November until 12 December 2026.
