’Sharing Memories’ EXHIBITION
“For me, my art has mostly been about connections. Connection to people, to land, to culture. Traversing the relational space between Pākehā and Māori worlds. Exploring my own deep whakapapa through my Celtic and Nordic roots, yet expressing it through a spiritual connection to Tangata Whenua. A connection made stronger through six generations of ancestors on both sides of my family who rest in this land.”
- Gareth Barlow
ABOUT
Gareth Barlow is an established painter and carver from the Hutt Valley, Wellington. He is a sixth-generation New Zealander with a profound connection to people and places. His art practice is informed by his deep respect for indigenous culture and traditional Māori art. Barlow’s recent portrait series of living subjects embody the character of the sitter. Strong reflective and complex, his artwork comes to life on the canvas.
He aims to embody the energy or lifeforce of his subject, if he can capture their spirit he knows it will resonate with the viewer. A delicate pattern of dots painted on the surface of the works adds an exquisite dimension to his painting. These tiny elements glisten like jewels or droplets of water. Together they form smooth undulating curved lines that evoke the mountains, sea and rivers of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Private commissions along with solo and group exhibitions throughout New Zealand have firmly established the name of this full-time artist. In 2021 Barlow recently received a Highly Commended Award in the Parkin Drawing Prize. He was a finalist in the Wallace Art Awards in 2020 and the Adam Portraiture Awards in 2020/2018.
Kea Whā
136.5 x 78cm
Acrylic and Charcoal on Paper
Prince Tūī
98.5 x 135.5cm
Acrylic and Charcoal on Paper
Kea - Lord of the Alps
110 x 13ocm
Acrylic on Canvas
Kārearea
77 x 98cm
Acrylic and Charcoal on Paper
Takahē - The Hermit 82.5 x 102.5cm
Acrylic and Charcoal on Paper
Huia
72.5 x 94cm
Acrylic and Charcoal on Paper
Kōtare Rua
77.5 x 98.5cm
Acrylic and Charcoal on Paper
