Exhibiting Thursday 5th September - Thursday 19th September 2024
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.
“‘Sharing Memories’ reflects on native and endemic birds as icons of our identity as New Zealanders. Quintessential Kiwi symbols that resonate for all. Something we identify with as both Māori and Pākehā. Deeply entrenched in Māori folklore, these birds have been part of our landscapes for millions of years before humans existed, let along set foot on Aotearoa. They are the original inhabitants. The original guardians of this land. Some have perished since contact with man, yet many still flourish. Living side by side with new species, and becoming astutely aware of new dangers and challenges”. - Gareth Barlow
Q & A'S
- Who and what inspires your artwork?
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.
My recent series ‘Songs From Memory’, explored how the song from a bird can evoke memories as a photograph would. Drawing these birds as I would my human sitters, in charcoal, and holding a proud pose in a more traditional portraiture style. And as ancestors from yesteryear, we can reflect on their image to create a warming energy from our past.
A continuation of that series, ‘Sharing Memories’ reflects on native and endemic birds as icons of our identity as New Zealanders. Quintessential Kiwi symbols that resonate for all. Something we identify with as both Māori and Pākehā.
- What do you think it is about your work that immediately captures the hearts of collectors?
I think the themes in my work tell a familiar story. Something many Kiwis, and Antipodeans in general can relate to. We all share aspects of our whakapapa. Māori and Pākehā. And we’ve grown up in environments that have nurtured our characters to who we are and what we’re proud of. I like to think my work captures that energy and tells a story that people can claim as their own.
For this series, I think everyone connects to birds in some way. Often they are used as symbols, and in New Zealand’s case, a national identity. I’ve used them in many of my works over the years, in all aspects of my practice.
Many cultures, as well as Māori see birds as messengers between our world and the spirit world. Celtic traditions saw many birds as guardians and manifestations of gods. They’re often presented to us as omens - good and bad. But everywhere we go, there are birds. And everyone has a special place, a place where they love to spend time. And in every one of those places, they can be rest assured that a feathered friend will be close at hand.
- Tell us more about your creative process?
I’m still a 9 to 5 kind of guy. Well, 7.30 to 4 at least. And generally when I am in my studio I am creating. After 30 years as a conceptual creative, I often think about ideas in my head before getting anything down. So when I do get into my studio, I can hit the ground running. I have three different disciplines and I would be happy to describe myself and a prolific maker. Although I do enter my studio with a general idea of what I am doing, I do love to let things happen organically. Colours and compositions that manifest as you work, create a wonderful energy. Māori believe artists are simply conduits through which the gods create. I love that notion. And wherever possible, I like to open an invitation for ancestors and beyond to join me in my journey and creative process.
- Can you tell us about your success as an artist and your biggest career highlight to date?
I spent a 30 year career as a commercial artist and art director in a number of design and advertising agencies in New Zealand and Australia. I had a wonderful career, winning a number of awards along the way. However, I decided to go full time with my art practice about six years ago, and I certainly haven’t looked back since. In those six years I have been a finalist in a number of award shows in Australia and New Zealand. Including the revered Wallace Art Awards in 2020 and the National Contemporary Art Award in 2022. I am a three time Adam Portraiture Prize finalist, including runner up to the People’s Choice on two of those occasions. As well as a finalist in the 2021 and ’22 Parkin Drawing Prizes - winning a merit and the People’s Choice award in ’21. However, all that aside, as portraiture often influences my practice, I’ve been fortunate to share the air with some special people from our wonderful country. Gain knowledge and perspectives. I think I’m a better person because of that. And I hope my work makes people feel the same.
- What can we expect to see in this upcoming exhibition?
As I mentioned, ‘Sharing Memories’ reflects on native and endemic birds as icons of our identity as New Zealanders. Quintessential Kiwi symbols that resonate for all. Something we identify with as both Māori and Pākehā.
Deeply entrenched in Māori folklore, these birds have been part of our landscapes for millions of years before humans existed, let along set foot on Aotearoa. They are the original inhabitants. The original guardians of this land. Some have perished since contact with man, yet many still flourish. Living side by side with new species, and becoming astutely aware of new dangers and challenges.
With elements of unrest and division in our society, it’s nice to have these beautiful symbols of New Zealand we can all share and respect. Perhaps there are lessons we can all learn from our feathered friends. Accepting past, present and future New Zealanders. Respecting and understanding original inhabitants. And embracing a beautiful culture that makes our country so special and unique.