“Inspired by petroglyphs and deeply rooted in nature, Nettie Zan’s towering paintings in earthen hues exude organic dynamism. Serpentine forms ripple up from shadowy depths like ancient echoes, transporting us to our primal past.

Painting in trance states, Zan channels primordial energies from the collective subconscious, transforming them into pigment on canvas. Combining technical precision with fearless experimentation, they incorporate techniques like rock rubbing, leaf overpainting, and textural imprinting to create fresh modes of expression.

Zan’s animistic art stirs memories of humanity’s distant origins, grounding us in the enduring source of our being. Through their works, they reawaken the creative forces of our protohistory that continue to shape and sustain us.”

—Albert Carpenter, artist

Below are a selection of works from my most recent series: the small gods of animals. Each painting summons a deity of protection. The works are an outpouring of my spiritual experience. The work culminated in a solo show at Vulpes Bastille in May of 2025. While I still work a bit with the small gods, and may always. This set represents a completion of an important part of my life. Click here to see a video of the solo show. -nz