TRANSITION

TRANSITION


 

My starting point for this exhibition was the painting I’ve called ‘In Transition’, part of a series created in response to my residency at Auckland Botanic Gardens. ‘In Transition’ focusses on the light filtering through the branches of a Horoeka tree, one of my favourite plants, partly because of the way it changes from its juvenile form to a mature tree. Horoeka are native to Aotearoa, found in montane forests, lowlands and scrubland bush.

This exhibition is about walking in those forests, experiencing the light pouring through the canopy’s complex forms of leaves and branches. 

I’ve literally taken a step back in some of these works to take in the wider view, giving context to other works where I’ve focussed close-up on the botanical forms that catch my eye. For instance, the title piece ‘Transition’, is looking at a wider field of vision compared to a painting like ‘Crossing Paths’ with its focus on the underlying abstract geometry of Harakeke forms. They are of course coming from related ideas but the difference in viewer aspect changes the emphasis of each work.

Annette Bull is well known in the ceramic scene, not only for the fine work she produces but also for being one of the founders of UKU, a national ceramics award based in Hawke's Bay. Annette's "Treeline" series is an installation of ceramic vessels that complement Neal's magnificent paintings in form and color. Made from earthenware and glazed in a wonderful array of greens, this collection celebrates our beautiful forests. 

NEAL PALMER