Alerus Center

Abby Manock enjoys her work, whether creating something for herself or for a specific client. She takes a systematic yet intuitive approach to the composition of an object, picture plane, or interaction. Abby finds joy in the intersection between her studio practice and commissioned or commercial projects, embracing new opportunities as a way to continually learn and evolve. Her approach allows spontaneity to emerge within a controlled framework, giving her the freedom to explore new directions while maintaining focus.

Abby celebrates the productive chaos that comes with intense focus, finding joy in her obsession with repetition, the tactile manipulation of materials, and the exploration of the absurdity of the human condition. She is particularly interested in blurring the line between work and play, combining a “slick” aesthetic with a “school play” sensibility to create works that are both original and familiar. This duality makes her pieces earnestly accessible to a wide audience, sparking connection and encouraging reflection.

In this new series of paintings, Abby explores the relationship between color and repetition, investigating how these elements both flatten and create space within a picture plane. The larger canvases are an expansion of an earlier series of miniature gouache paintings, which served as test compositions for large-scale mural projects. Through this exploration, Abby continues to push the boundaries of scale, form, and color, inviting viewers into a dynamic visual experience.