Artists Explore Diverse Visions of New Zealand in This Land Exhibition

The This Land exhibition at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery features the works of renowned painter Denis Bourke and acclaimed photographer Joel Cayford. The exhibition, which runs until November 13, 2023, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience how both artists interpret the concept of land through their respective mediums.

Bourke’s vibrant acrylic paintings, created on canvas and specially constructed wood panels, showcase a variety of themes, notably skyscapes inspired by the breathtaking southern vistas he encountered while hiking the Routeburn track. “These paintings reflect my lifelong passion for the unique and ancient New Zealand land and flora, which have formed me as a person and as an artist,” Bourke explains.

In contrast, Cayford’s photographic work delves into the intricate chemistry of the cabbage tree, or ti kouka. He employs digital filters to transform his photography into unexpected and sometimes surreal art pieces. “My creative choices and decisions these days are more about surrealism and the soul than memory and the mind,” Cayford notes. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in his art, stating, “At the same time, I continue to be true to the principle that ‘every picture should tell a story.'”

The exhibition is open to the public daily from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with extended hours starting at 9:00 AM on Saturdays. Located at 45 Moir Street, Mangawhai, the gallery invites art lovers and community members to engage with the diverse visions presented by Bourke and Cayford.

This Land not only highlights the individual talents of these artists but also encourages a dialogue about the relationship between people and the land they inhabit, making it an essential visit for anyone interested in contemporary New Zealand art.