John Walsh (b.1954, Aitanga a Hauiti/New Zealand Irish) grew up in Tolaga Bay and now lives on the south coast of Wellington, where the sea continues to draw him back to the canvas with his characteristically vibrant and fluid application of blues and greens.
Walsh melds histories of migration and colonialism with contemporary narratives and Maorim mythology. His paintings depict ethereal landscapes populated by manaia, anthropomorphic creatures or marakihau, and obscure figures that cling to cliffs or drift along shorelines.
Some works are heavy with allegory or appear as harbingers of doom foretelling the imminent destruction of our natural environment; while others are imbued with the artist’s sharp wit and playful humour.
In his most recent body of work figures convene with atua or spirits. A series of brides roam unearthly looking coastlines, their dresses trailing and merging with the landscape, perhaps searching for their betrothed.
In The Life Boat and The Gardeners boats drift across the surface of the water, their navigators searching for salvation or sustenance. They’re Coming Soon and Ritual of the Snowy Peak Religion hint at ominous events, obscure societies, and mysterious ceremonial practices.
