Frans Lotz is an artist who explores the traces of labour that are visible in a city and the layers of interaction that build up over time. Rips and patches in chain link fences, and layers of rust and paint on fire escapes are reminders of the cycle of degradation, upkeep, vandalism, and repair. Drawing on blacksmithing and industrial steel work, his sculptures pay tribute to the often overlooked and undervalued objects that line the back alleys of a city. Lotz, who was born in South Africa, is currently based on Treaty 4 Territory in Regina, Saskatchewan. He earned a BFA in sculpture from the University of Regina in 2016 and worked as a studio assistant and printer for the late Joe Fafard. His work has been shown at Slate Fine Art Gallery and Gallery Jones among others, and is part of the Saskatchewan Arts Board permanent collection. He has participated in the Emma and Frogwood International Collaborations, and his work has been featured in Galleries West, as well as art fairs in Toronto and Montreal.