Tania Kovats b. 1966
Tania Kovats (born 1966) is a British artist whose practice is centered around our relationship with nature, particularly through the themes of landscape and water. Known for her immersive installations, sculptures, and drawings, Kovats explores the natural world with a focus on the fluidity and significance of water. Her work blends abstraction with representation, often using water as both a physical substance and a symbol of nature's cycles, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty and fragility of the environment.
One of the most defining aspects of Kovats' style is her exploration of water in its various forms. In her 2012 project Rivers, she collected water samples from 100 British rivers, presenting them in individual containers as a powerful visual statement on the diversity and importance of water. Similarly, her Sea Mark drawings offer abstract representations of the sea’s surface, capturing its movement and rhythms in minimal, delicate compositions. Through these works, Kovats engages with water not only as a material but as an element that shapes landscapes and human experience.
Kovats is also known for her large-scale, immersive installations that incorporate natural materials such as rocks, sand, and water, creating environments that allow viewers to engage directly with nature. Her 2014 exhibition Oceans at The Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh featured monumental works that continued her exploration of marine environments. Whether through delicate drawings or expansive installations, Kovats’ work provokes both a sense of wonder and an awareness of the pressing environmental issues that shape our relationship with the natural world.