| $15,000
Our New Zealand
15 - 30 June 2020
OUR NEW ZEALAND…. the title of this exhibition resonates deeply, even more-so than during initial discussions with invited artists over two years ago. Through the lens of recent events, the benefits and blessings of being one with OUR NEW ZEALAND have never been greater or more appreciated.
In this timely exhibition Nine leading artists, united by talent and a passion for their subject, salute the diversity, beauty and spirit of OUR NEW ZEALAND. In life, as in art syncronicity plays a part, creativity has been the silver-lining of isolation. This is an exhibition celebrating life in OUR NEW ZEALAND Frances Davies
It’s inspiration that drives you. It’s as simple as that. What’s it like? Like a window opening into a new world - Michael Smither
James Watkins | Coastal, Night Light | Oil on canvas | 70 x 150 cm | $7,250
Each work of art from the easel of Simon Williams is, in itself a visual ambassador for New Zealand. As such, his paintings are hung in homes, offices and boardrooms worldwide. These artworks fly our flag. Brushstrokes on canvas that miraculously do justice to New Zealand’s generous endowment of natural beauty.
As a young artist, Dunedin born Williams was based in Sydney. Whilst there, he vividly recalls attending a life-changing exhibition by leading Australian Impressionists from the Heidelberg School which both influenced and inspired him. Returning to New Zealand, Williams established his Auckland studio. Today he continues to travel and paint, creating both large scale masterpieces and smaller more intimate scenes of family life. Williams is unquestionably a living master of the New Zealand landscape.
In this magnificent triptych the viewer is indeed sailing, transported to the waters of the Waitemata and part of the excitement of Auckland’s Coastal Classic yacht race. It’s a wonderful feeling engendered by a spectacular painting. Two iconic totems are captured to perfection by the artist’s hand. Rangitoto’s natural landform and the historic Bean Rock dating to 1870 is New Zealand’s only remaining cottage-style lighthouse. This is a painting which captures and celebrates the exhilaration of our City of Sails.
Coromandel has long been a favoured destination for Simon Williams. In 2006 his Coromandel Exhibition was a complete sellout. In this colour-kissed composition the artist revisits the shores of Hahei to capture a scene of supreme kiwi ingenuity. Undeterred by the lack of boat ramps, tractors are the towing vehicle of choice whilst unwittingly providing a unique spectacle.
Introducing... TIMON MAXEY
The unique landscapes of London born Timon Maxey draw upon his formal training in graphic art, a degree in geography from Victoria University and a well-founded awareness and appreciation of Our New Zealand landscape.
With its echoes of cubism and use of complementary blues and oranges, Kawarau - Bringer of Leaves is a painting which both welcomes and captivates the viewer.
“My passion for rivers, geography, landforms and maps are interests combined and conveyed in my paintings”
Shades of Blue ...
In this tranquil rendition of Southern majesty the viewer looks seaward from the Malaspina Reach of Doubtful Sound.
The landmass in the centre is Bauza Island. In the foreground Maxey places a stylised image of the Fiordland Navigator in full sail. Inspired by the striking simplicity and beauty of the landform, the artist expertly plays with tones of blue and grey in this sophisticated composition.
Rolling green hills, patch-worked by Mother Nature’s favoured hues of green, welcome the viewer to the sactuary of Northland’s Otaio Bay. Situated on Urupukapuka Island this is a special place of wildlife preservation, fresh water ponds and hiking trails. Birdsong abounds.
As always, Timon Maxey deftly captures the landforms, atmosphere, tones and textures of his chosen subject. This is a gift which flows from the artist’s brush, imprinting itself upon the canvas and the mind’s eye of the viewer.
60 x 122 cm | $5,250 Introducing...
Brian Dahlberg | Hokianga Harbour, from Opononi, Northland | Oil on board | 60 x 122 cm | $12,500
Hokianga Harbour, the historic jewel of Northland’s west coast is a three hour drive from Auckland on State Highway 12. The settlement of Opononi, Dahlberg’s chosen vantage point for this painting, lies on the harbour’s southern shore.
Brian Dahlberg | Waiau River, And The Spenser Mountains, Canterbury | Oil on board | 82 x 184 cm | $18,500
Anthony D Blake | “Ariki” leads “Rainbow” and “Thelma” past the Rangitoto lighthouse during the Auckland Anniversary Regatta, 1909 | Oil on linen | 60 x 90 cm | $90,000