SIMON MAX BANNISTER
’TERRA FIRMA’ EXHIBITION
ABOUT
Simon Max Bannister, born and raised in South Africa, moved to New Zealand after being captivated by the dramatic beauty of the land, its people, and the profound reverence for nature.
In his artistic practice, Bannister employs a distinctive bronze casting technique to express his concerns about habitat and species loss. Working predominantly with wood and metal, he creates ephemeral sculptures that poignantly reflect the precarious state of nature.
The exhibition features a collection of thought-provoking sculptures, each carrying its own narrative and message. “Chaos Chase” captures the collective power of a flock of birds, symbolizing the delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience in the natural world. “Ancient Ancestors” tells tales of connection and transformation through the depiction of life and decay in a dying tree.
Bannister’s sculptures delve into themes of interconnectedness and ecological harmony. “The Calling” portrays an eagle’s cry as a symbol of the interconnectedness of all elements within nature’s orchestra.
Meanwhile, “Engineer and Seer” explores the primal connection between humans and nature, emphasizing the importance of preserving wilderness. In his smaller bronze sculptures, Bannister utilizes a unique casting technique, immortalizing indigenous birds and their habitats. His larger steel sculptures, encouraged to naturally oxidize, reflect a sense of time and place within the elements. These outdoor pieces integrate industrial elements, serving as guardians of the land and drawing attention to environmental conservation.
Through his artwork, Bannister not only captures the eye but also touches the heart, serving as a poignant reminder of the imperative need to preserve the beauty and diversity of our natural world.
Visit Artbay Gallery on 13 Marine Parade, Queenstown to experience Simon Max Bannister’s exhibition, a celebration of nature’s resilience and enduring spirit, or email info@artbay.co.nz for more information on these incredible works.
Simon Max Bannister Engineer and Seer - Edition 1/8 800 x 200 x 200mm $7,900
Simon
Max Bannister
Ancestors - Edition 1/8 800 x 200 x 200mm $7,900
Ancient
Simon Max Bannister Chaos Chase - Edition 1/8 800 x 200 x 200mm $7,900
Simon Max Bannister Feather Leaf - Edition 1/8 800 x 200 x 200mm $7,900
Simon Max Bannister Forest Whisper - Edition 1/8 800 x 200 x 200mm $7,900
Simon Max Bannister The Calling - Edition 1/8 800 x 200 x 200mm $7,900
Simon Max Bannister The Fallen Stand - Edition 1/8 800 x 200 x 200mm $7,900
info@artbay.co.nz | www.artbay.co.nz | 03 442 9090 13 Marine Parade, Queenstown, New Zealand